For His Glory

Take a Technology Fast

2012-01-17T20:29:00.000-08:00

How often do we take technology for granted and just acceptedit? How often do we look past the momentand truly contemplate the impact technology will have in the future? Do we own technology or does it own us? These, and more, are questions we need to askwhen faced with any new, or for that matter, current, technology. This is not a matter of seeking to avoid all formsof technology or simply calling all technology bad as we need to realize technology comes in manyforms. The clothes we wear, the utensilswe use and many other things that we utilize in everyday life are all a resultof some form of technology. No, what weneed to do is look at all technology with an eye to its impact on us and theworld that God has called us to steward and to do so from a Biblicalperspective.

While the Bible does not necessarily speak directly to aparticular technology we can ask ourselves how any particular technology willaffect our lives in light of how God would have us live and glorify Him. For example; when we see a technology thatwill work to divide a family we can know that whatever the technology is itneeds to be seriously scrutinized and either minimize in its use or avoided alltogether. Also, if a technology will takeover ones life, as so many tend to do, and leave little time for God then weneed to deal with that so as to avoid its impact of our walk with God.

One book I highly recommend with regards to getting one tothink about technology and our interaction with it is Michael Bunker’s bookSurviving Off Off-Grid. Even if you feelyou have no desire to live off grid or do not think that society will crumbleBunker asks some probing questions that will make one think about theirrelationship with technology. The worldputs forth that to question technological advances is somehow being backwardand ignorant. However, the issue is notjust about whether one accepts a certain technology or not but whether we havethought through the implications of its use. These implications are not to be limited to the present but also to itsimpact on future generations as well.

If we are honest with ourselves we will have to admit thatwith all the promises of technology saving us time and effort we are as busy asever, maybe busier. We have been duped bythe allure of what we are told technology can offer and bought into the lie. A lie that says leisure is just around thenext technological corner but what we will find around the corner is another cornerand another marvel to buy and consume our time and affections.

We live in a consumerbased economy and thus technology needs to be in a constant state of change soas to always be creating the possibility of selling one more item, one moregadget. Thus, we need to be vigilant soas not to get caught up in this trap of consumerism and keeping up withtechnology which will never happen since as soon as you buy the latest wonderit will be obsolete and you will need to buy the next one.

When it comes to any technology what we need to do is tostop, take a breath, and ask if technology is being used by us or are we being usedby it. If tomorrow the Internet was togo down many would be lost. If we had noelectricity for a day, weeks or even months what would we do? I am not even talking about survival here butwhat would be our mindset. Would we sitin front of our TVs or computers pining away for it come back online? Would we be lost since all our “friends” areon Facebook, Google+ or some other social network and we realize we have nopersonal contact with “actual” people? What would we do with all our free time, would we remember how to read,how to talk to family or could we even find the kitchen?

Let me confess; I have made connections with people on Facebookthat I do consider friends and I have corresponded with people via my blog andother connections on the Internet. But intruth it was so much more meaningful when I could actually meet these peopleface to face or at a minimum was able to at least talk on the phone with them. Technology has allowed me to learn and shareinsights that would have taken longer and been more difficult if it had notexisted. I can see the good that hascome via technology. However, I have toadmit I have not been as discerning as I should be in monitoring my use oftechnology as I have, as many of us, been sucked up into the black hole of“technological acceptance.”

As I write this article on my laptop to be posted over the InternetI wonder if I am a hypocrite in questioning technology. I would say that I would be if I was sayingall technology, at anytime, was wrong. What I want to stress is that we need to seriously ask questions aboutthe technology we use and how we use it. As I have already said we need to ask what the consequences of anytechnology could be. We need to beconstantly aware of our reliance, and often total dependence, on technology andwork to avoid such dependence. Of courseif you are like me and live in the city or have a job that is technology drivenit is difficult. We do need to ask ifwe have a plan for what to do if for some reason God decides to pull the plug? What will we do when He moves to show us thatwe need to rely more on Him than Microsoft, Mac or Dell. Most of us do not have any plans and untilrecently I had not even contemplated such a scenario. Michael Bunker’s book, and a few others Ihave read recently, have made me begin to think about these things more deeply.

One example of technology, and its associated mindset, beingblindly accepted without much reservation was the Industrial Revolution. When we entered the Industrial RevolutionChristians did not ask the questions they should have and we have thus paid a heavyprice. We as believers did not ask whatGod would have us do by looking at the affect the Industrial Revolution wouldhave on His people. The followingarticles make some very good observations with regards to the impact oftechnology on mankind:

Reforming the Family – Rev. Brian M. Abshire

Machines and Family (Pt 1 of Series) – Howard king

Industrialism: Rooted in Greed (Pt. 2 of Series) – Howardking

The Efficiency Invasion: How Industrialism Destroyed theTraditional Family (Pt. 3 of Series) – Howard king

Efficiency vs the Family – Scott Terry

This all said what should we do, and thus the reason for thename of this post. Throughout thisarticle I have mentioned questions we need to ask but we need to gofurther. We need to take action so thatwe do not become more dependent on technology than on God. To do this my family has decided to challengeourselves and go on a technology fast for a week, once every 2 months. During that time we will work to minimize ouruse of the technology we have come to so rely on. Apart from work, as I do have to make aliving and am sure my employer would not want to go along, there will be nocomputers, thus no internet. I thinkFacebook can live without me. We willonly use our phones for emergencies and with regards to cooking be limited toour stove. Of course if we lived in adifferent environment we might be able to limit our use of technology evenfurther, but this is a start. Actuallyeven making a decision to do this showed some of our over reliance and desirefor technology in our family. There weresome in the family that balked a little since until we talk about curtailingour use of technology we did not realize how dependent we had become on it.

In taking part in this “technology fast’ we hope to growcloser to God. Not necessarily becauseof the lack of technology but because of the time we will have that is no longerabsorbed by the technology we use. I amhoping and praying that our time in family devotions will grow and ourinteracting as a family will flourish. Let me say, if this is done purely to simply say we have avoidedtechnology I think we would miss the point. No, we want to do this so that we can realize how dependent we havebecome on technology, often at the cost of our dependence on God, and work byGod’s strength to rely on Him as we should.

I encourage you to join us as we seek to set technologyaside, as best you can, for a week. Ourfirst Technology Fast will take place from January 23^nd to January29^th. If you need to start ona different week that is great since it is not the dates that matter but thatwe seek to do something. I encourage youto share your thoughts on joining us and after the week, whether it be the sameas us or another week, share what God did in the life of your family during theweek.

This, as with all things needs to be done for His glory andthat needs to be at the forefront of our minds. Let us grow closer to Him as we remove those things that often are seeminglygood but end up impinging on time with Him, with family and with ones church.

Previous Posts in this Series:

Christians and the Care of God’s Creation
God, Work and Redemption

GMOs: An Agricultural Tower of Babel?

2012-01-02T20:23:00.000-08:00

(Updated with what is now paragraph 6 on 1/7/12)

There are many out there that feel anything we do to increase production and efficiency, thereby apparently reducing price, is a good thing. Others put forth that the only way we can feed the world and produce enough food is by genetically engineering it. But is this correct as the true total cost, including subsidies and increased health costs, of the food we eat is yet to be tallied. Also, from what I can find the issue with food is not a quantity issue but a distribution issue so making more at any cost is not the answer. However, more importantly we need to ask if the producing of GMOs (genetically modified organisms) pleases God or is it an Agricultural Tower of Babel?

Now I have probably already tipped my hand as to where I stand on this subject but if God’s word is sufficient for all of life, and it is, it must say something about this topic. Of course you will not find a passage such as 1 Agronomy 1:1 that says “Thou shall not make GMOs” but this does not mean that God does not speak to this area of life, He does. God speaks to every area of life, either directly or in principle.

I realize that when one speaks to the topic of food there will be those that say that what we eat and what we produce is an area of liberty and we can basically do as we please. Some may even go to Peter’s vision in Acts 10:9-16 to say that we can eat all things. Well, first the passage in Acts is not dealing as much with what one has for dinner as dealing with religious preconceptions about what was clean or unclean, to say that Peter can indeed eat and fellowship with the Gentiles who were considered unclean by the Jews. The “liberty” card is usually used whenever ones toes are being stepped on and one becomes uncomfortable. While we do have liberty it is all within the confines of God’s order and commands so we need to be careful of where we proclaim liberty.

To see what God’s plan was from the beginning one needs to go back to, well the beginning, Genesis 1:25-27 and Gen 2:5,15 to see that God placed man in a garden to care for what God provided. God could have easily made the garden to care for itself and produce in abundance all that Adam and Eve required but God decided, in His infinite wisdom, to have man cultivate and till the soil. He placed man not so much as lord over the land but as a steward of God’s provision, as caretaker and overseer of it. While this call was prior to the fall it did not change after it. What changed after the fall was man’s relationship with the soil as it was going to now, in a sense, fight back and not produce as man would have liked. God did not tell Adam to go out and try and manipulate the ground, the foliage or the animals but to care for it to bring forth what God wanted from the soil even with the curse that was placed on it.

So what does man do today but try and avoid the curse anyway they can. I spoke on some of this in my last article on work. We create food, if you can really call it that, which is modified so as to be able to produce more crops by being pesticide resistant and in the process nutrient deficient. Man, instead of simply dealing with the various issues created by the curse through hard work and natural methods has tried to be God and create new organisms. At the heart of much of this is a desire to avoid work and the trials of it and to be as God.

As I mentioned the Tower of Babel in the title of this article, I should add that it is, among other things, a picture of man seeking to use technology to create their own heaven, their own redemption. Gen 11:1-5 speaks of the technology used, that of brick and mortar, and the passage even speaks of them being baked. Now we may not think of bricks and mortar as a technological advance but it truly was. Man was seeking to use what advances they had before them to make a name for themselves (Gen 11:4) and in a sense find redemption on their own. They sought to make something of themselves and avoid being scattered. However, God would put a stop to that and He can do the same with us. God can bring down the technological tower we have created and rely on. At issue is not necessarily a matter of avoiding technology, as that is often difficult, but it is a matter of what we do with that technology. It is a matter of what we rely on, God or self.

But what of those that farm and have worked to make mixed breeds of animals and plants? Is this a form of genetic manipulation? This is dealt with in Joel Salatin’s book Folks, This Ain’t Normal (Pg: 225-239) as he shares how genetic engineering deals with manipulating “kinds” whereas the natural mixing of breeds and plants is keeping kinds together. God created “kinds” (Gen 1:11,12,21,25) and we should not seek to make, to be as God, and create new kinds.

This tendency to want to be as God is not new as we see it in the Garden, at Babel and we see it still today. When we manufacture, manipulate and modify the natural order that God has provided we in essence seek to be as God. Being creative is an innate attribute we have as a creation made in the image of God. However we need to realize the limits of that creative desire and understand that simply because we physically can do something that does not mean we should. Adam and Eve could physically eat of the tree but they were not to so we too need understand our limits and be careful that we do not turn our call to dominion into a call to be as God.

Does all of this mean we simply need to accept the thorns and thistles that make producing food difficult? In one sense yes as they will exist in some manner until Christ’s return. But I think we can, by the sweat of our brow, fight those incursions that make the ground unfruitful. We need to do so in a manner that aligns with God’s order and in a manner that magnifies Him and not us. We need to make sure that all we do honors God’s creation and is not in the end simply more of a curse, as we are finding with the genetically engineered food substitutes that have been created.

Let us seek to be reliant on God and what He provides. One of the results of the curse on the land is to remind us of our reliance on Him for our redemption. Let us be content with the trials we face due to the curse. Not that we are to be complacent but understand that we cannot avoid the curse and must work within the confines God has set before us. God has provided all we need to live for His glory and we need to come to grips with that. Can we create technology to better glorify God, well that is a topic for another post but in short yes as long as we understand the difference between using technology and being dependent on it.

So, yes the genetic engineering of our food is indeed an Agricultural Tower of Babel and it will crumble. The question is how long will it be until God pulls the tower down and how much damage will have been done in the mean time. Should we not instead work to pull the tower down and thus reveal our reliance on God and not on ourselves?

Previous Posts in this Series:

Christians and the Care of God’s Creation
God, Work and Redemption

Law & Government: An Introductory Course

2011-12-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Law & Government: An Introductory Course is on sale for 50%. I have not had a chance to listen to my set yet but the speakers are very good. I will be doing a review of this resource once I finish the set

Here is the VF description:

With America’s legal heritage under attack, are you ready to give biblical answers to the critical cultural debates raging today?

Law & Government: An Introductory Study Course will arm your family to meet this challenge with the foundational concepts of law, ethics, and public policy; a clear understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the proper roles of the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, and much more.

Featuring leading Christian attorneys and legal scholars such as Chief Justice Roy Moore, Douglas Phillips, Esq., and Dr. Paul Jehle, this course offers seven easy-to-follow unit studies.

28 hours of audio and video, plus study guide.

Course Includes:

Study Guide with Answer Key
6 Lectures on DVD
16 Audio Messages on MP3
Certificate of Completion

Here are the speakers:

This Weeks Vision Forum Sale

2011-12-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

THIS WEEK AT VISION FORUM, through midnight (CST) December 16th:

25%-60% Off 200+ Items,
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Receive ‘Courageous’ FREE with Every $75+ Order

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Here’s how it works: Courageous DVDs won’t begin shipping to retailers until January 2012. However, through December 16, Vision Forum has a way for you to give this wonderful film to your family right now. Just place any order of $75 or more at VisionForum.com and receive a beautiful Courageous DVD gift receipt for FREE with your order.

Keep the gift receipt for your own family as a reminder of what’s coming, or give it to someone else as a present. Once the Courageous DVDs arrive in Vision Forum’s warehouse in late January, we will ship your copy to your original qualifying order’s ship-to address at no charge. If you give the DVD gift receipt to someone as a present, just make sure you give the actual DVD to that person as well after you receive it!

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*Our “$5 flat-rate shipping” offer is valid for UPS ground shipping and applies only to the 48 contiguous United States and Canada, and is not applicable to the 70-volume Henty Set, the 20-volume Ballantyne Set, or other “Specialty” and “Drop Ship” items. Does not apply to past orders, and may not be combined with other coupons. Please note that shipping in-stock items ahead of backordered items will result in additional shipping charges to you.

God, Work and Redemption

2011-12-08T18:39:00.001-08:00

I want to preface what is to come, in this series, with a few books I have been reading that have given me much food for thought, pun intended. Two of them are by Joel Salatin: “Everything I Want to do is Illegal” and “ Folks, This Ain’t Normal.” Another book I am almost done with that has given me much to think about as I try and work through how we are to deal with technology and man’s attempts to “make life easier” is "Surviving Off Off-Grid" by Michael Bunker. I think these are worthwhile books to read as we too often are so ingrained in a way of thinking that we need to be jolted out of our slumber and these books may help do just that. Will you agree with all they say, maybe not, but these are books that may help you to look at things differently, and that is what we need today. Also, both authors have a Christian worldview that sees all that is around us as God’s creation and that God has a way He desires for us to interact with it, a view I would pray we would all seek to posses.

When we look at any area of life we need to do so with God’s word as our standard, our filter, and this includes when we interact with God’s creation and our required stewardship of it. When I speak of God’s word I mean not only His inerrant word but also His all-sufficient word. If one does not see God’s word as sufficient for all of life then one will not seek to see what God says about every area of life and thus will end up setting up areas that are not judged by the only infallible rule of life, His word. To make God honoring decisions we need to see what God’s word says about every area of life.

I thought I would start with looking at the issue of work because so much of what we have to deal with today is promoted as being “required” so as to reduce our work, save time and increase our ability to spend more effort in recreation. I need to mention here that the idea of saving time is misleading as we all have 24 hours and we invariably fill up every minute. Thus, seldom do we actually save time but instead just rearrange the use of the minutes, now back to the subject of work. The world seeks to tell us we need this device, that program or some other modification to our life because it will reduce our work and benefit us by giving us time to do any number of other “more” enjoyable activities. Due to this propaganda, for most things I do not think this is too strong a word, we need to understand the biblical concept of “work” so as not to be taken in by the many claims of the world and its offerings.

To begin with work is not in and of itself evil. Man was created and given dominion, stewardship, over the garden (Gen 1:26-31) that God created. God calls what he had created, including the work of dominion, very good thus we see that work at this point is not what we think of it as today, but is instead good. Work is not a result of the fall, as most treat it, but is a creation of God and is His means for man to care for His creation. However, when man fell work became burdensome as God’s word reveals in Gen 3:17-19. Adam would indeed keep working but in contrast to before the fall work would now be what we know it as today “WORK.”

We all too often look at work as just that, work, something to avoid. But have you ever contemplated why God chose work to be so hard because of the fall? It was not simply as some form of punishment from an indiscretion but instead was, and is, to be a reminder. It is to be a reminder of the state of our nature and a reminder of our need for redemption. For the believer then there is hope in the midst of the toil of work. Knowing this does not mean that work will be easy, as our flesh desires it to be, but it does let us know that as we work we can find joy as we contemplate that God is reminding us of all He has done, is doing and will do, in our lives. Thus, we should not avoid work but embrace it and seek to redeem it by having an attitude of remembering what it signifies. In our toil work lets us see our rebellion against God, our reliance on Him for redemption and it also reminds of the glorious hope that is before us. For me this is convicting as I often grumble at work not being as easy as I would like it to be instead of taking the toil and looking at it as I should, a vivid reminder. While we should seek to be efficient and work as best we can, so as to glorify God, even then we need to realize work in our fallen state is meant to be tiresome and troubling so as to remind us of our sin and Christ’s work. That is where true peace and joy in the midst of work comes from, when we recognize why work is as it is.

When we think of joy and peace we all too often define them by the world’s standards and thus we cannot find joy and peace in the midst of our toil and trials. Let us not forget that Christ in going to the cross found joy in knowing what was ahead (Hebrews 12:2.). He suffered more than we can ever imagine by taking on the sins of His people but His joy was in knowing He was glorifying the Father. We need this attitude of joy in our work and for me that is very convicting. It is in having a right view of work that will allow us to make right choices and not let promises of pleasure and rest dictate the decisions we make. Having a right, biblical, view of work, joy and peace will allow us to take what from a worldly perspective is a hard route and see our situation as one that sanctifies us and thus most glorifies God.

We are to be serious about the work God has for us and should not be complacent in our endeavors, seeking just to get by. When we work we are to do so for His glory because of what He has done in us and is doing through us in our work.. The world can only toil at work thus its instinct will be to avoid work but we as believers are to know that work is our destiny and we need to see God’s hand in it. What a joy that is.

Having a right view of work is imperative so as to inform our every decision for God’s glory. However, the world seeks to set before us an alternate reality, an alternate path to take. One where work is sought after to be non-existent and where recreation is the goal of all we do. We are sold this worldview in everything from vacation getaway plans, such as “time-shares,” to fast food offerings all of which are to save us time, effort and increase pleasure. We fall for this advertising that seeks to make us feel as if we can avoid work and it’s toil because our sin nature wants to forget about our sin, neglect God’s redemption and not realize there is only true freedom in what God offers. The world wants us to believe that true happiness can only be found without work and promotes the concept that work is evil. We as believers need to remember that while work may be hard and tiresome it is not evil. It is, as we have already seen, in reality a great reminder of what God has done, is doing and will do in our lives. It is the avenue God has given us for dominion and stewardship of His creation and we need to partake of work as God defines it, hardships and all, so as to experience the peace and joy only God brings when we are seeking to glorify Him.

I started with the topic of work as I think it is at the core of many of the wrong decisions we make with regards to the care of God’s creation. For example man crowds the animals God has provided us into unnatural surroundings known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) as this is our way of saving time, work and as we are often told, to be more productive. However in doing this not only do we treat God’s creation, the animals and the land, poorly we also create food that is not conducive to good health and thus makes us less able to work as we need to and thus not glorify God as we ought. Also, by our not wanting to work we have allowed the melding of science and “nutrition”, even though it is not really nutritious, in such a way as to make substances that are called food and are sold to us as being able to reduce our work and leave more time for recreation. Again, when we lose sight of the biblical meaning of work we make decisions that not only are bad for us they negate the glorification of God in our relation to the work God has for us.

So, there are some thoughts on work and how it relates to creation and areas such as food. If you take anything from this I pray it is to see that work is a gift of God. Yes we have to deal with the affects of sin in our work but by the work of Christ we can find joy in the midst of our toil. While we should seek to be more efficient as we work I pray we would always weigh our motives by biblical standards. Let us see if our goal is to be better stewards of God’s creation, for His glory, or if it is to avoid the work God has for before us. Let us make sure we do not buy into the world’s view of work but cling to God’s view. Always seeing in work a reminder of our sin, a reminder of God’s work in redeeming us and a reminder of the future peace to come at His return. Let our view of work be a stark contrast to the world’s and let our lives live out that difference in our thoughts, words and actions.

More to come on other areas relating to our interaction with God’s creation.

This is a sermon delivered 12/25/11 on this subject: God, Work and Redemption

Previous Posts in this Series:

Christians and the Care of God’s Creation

This Week's Sale at Vision Forum - Through Dec 8th

2011-12-06T10:30:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK AT VISION FORUM, through Decemebr 8th:

For four days only, take an extra 25-30% off your entire Vision Forum order!

Simply add at least $95 of products* to your shopping cart, then watch your order total instantly drop by an extra 25%. This offer is on top of any already-discounted products.

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Law & Liberty Book Giveaway #2

2011-12-03T17:33:00.001-08:00

Thanks to the Chalcedon booth at the latest NCFIC conference (Gospel-Centered Marriages for a Glorious Church ) I have two more Law & Liberty books by R.J. Rushdoony to give away. There will be one this month then anothe in January.

I will collect names until 5PM (PST) on Wednesday the 14th of December. Here is how you can get multiple entries: One entry can be gained by leaving a comment to this blog post. You can get additional entries by placing a link to the giveaway on your blog and leaving a link to the post on your blog in a comment here. Another entry can be gained by sharing this post on Facebook or sharing the post that is already there. Lastly, you can share this giveaway on Goolge+. So, leave a comment here, on the Facebook or on the Goolge+ post letting me know the methods you have used to enter.

December Vision Forum Sale

2011-11-28T17:11:00.001-08:00

THIS WEEK AT VISION FORUM

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December is almost here! And to help you with your shopping needs, Vision Forum is running an incredible December kick-off sale across our entire website.

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*Your coupon entitles you to receive free standard shipping on your order. Please note that shipping in-stock items ahead of backordered items will result in additional shipping charges to you. Our "free shipping" offer applies only to the 48 contiguous United States and Canada, and is not applicable to the 70-volume Henty Set, the 20-volume Ballantyne Set, or other "Specialty" and "Drop Ship" items. Does not apply to past orders, and may not be combined with other coupons.

Christians and the Care of God’s Creation

2011-11-21T20:24:00.001-08:00

Let me start by saying I have not always held the views I will put forth here. But as I have grown in my understanding of God’s word and seek to be obedient to all of it, it has become increasingly clear to me that we as Christians should be the most diligent people caring for God’s creation. In this care for God’s world, yes it is His, we do not do as the environmentalists and elevate the creation over the creator but instead seek to be the best stewards of what is God’s that we can be because that is what pleases Him. We are to care for, be a steward of, His creation so that it can be used for His glory and that does not happen if we simply see God’s provision as ours to do with as we please. God is most glorified when we see His grace in providing all that He does is firstly for His glory and then our good.

For too long the Christian community has taken its cues for how we are to relate to the world around us from the Rush Limbaugh’s, Sean Hannity’s, Ann Coulter’s and so many other “conservative” radio personalities rather than from God’s word. We have rightly seen the error in the environmentalist movement but instead of asking what it is they are reacting to we have taken an equally wrong swing in the other direction. Instead of seeing the call to subdue and have dominion (Gen 1:26-28) as a call to care for, grow and cultivate creation for God’s glory and our good we have instead often taken the idea of dominion as a free pass to damage, abuse and destroy and that does not glorify God or do us any good. We need to not discard the concept of dominion but instead need to see it for what it was intended from the beginning, as stewardship with a mind that sees all as belonging to God and thus of value.

This stewardship we are to provide extends not only to the animals, foliage and land God has placed around us but also to our bodies and how we treat them. If you think clearly, and biblically, on this I think you will find they are inter-related. In all of this we are to seek to be the best stewards we can be; not to stop some theoretical end of the world but to bring glory to God as we show the world how we revere God and what He has graciously provided. If we take God’s sovereignty seriously we should not only think that God has created that which is around us but that He has created it to work and live together as He designed it. When we seek to modify this God ordered symbiosis we in essence say we know better than God and in the process seek to be God.

Is that not at the heart of much of what we do, that is to say God meant to do such and such but stopped short and we need to finish what He could not do. I realize it is not always easy to see where our actions are trying to be as God and where we are seeking to work according to God’s purposes. But there are areas that where it is much more clear such as in man’s attempts to genetically modify that which God has placed among us and thus seek to create new kinds. This work of modifying what God has designed oversteps our bounds of stewardship as we attempt in our sin-tainted wisdom to create what God could not, or at least by our actions we say God could not.

So over the next few months or so, as time provides, I will be writing on a number of areas from care for the land to sustainable agriculture and whatever area comes to mind, all from a biblical perspective. Since God’s word is applicable and sufficient for ALL areas of life I believe God wants us to live as such. This view of life needs to flesh itself out in more than what we deem as spiritual, since at the end of the day all of life has a spiritual aspect, but needs to be applied to the physical as well.

Other Posts in this Series:
God, Work and Redemption

Vision Forum Buy 2, Get 1 Free Sale Through Saturday Nov 26th

2011-11-21T13:58:00.001-08:00

Check out Vision Forum’s latest sale that runs through Saturday November 26th. You may want to get some of the resources I recommend here: Recommended Resources

Recommended Resources

2011-11-19T14:33:00.001-08:00

Here are some great resources from Vision Forum.

You can get Rushdoony’s 3 volume set, The Institutes of Biblical Law for only $54. While I have not read this entire set I have read parts of it and know others that have read more of it than I have and it is a great work.

With regards to an understanding of the law of God as it realtes to our lives today William Einwechter’s Walking in the Law of God is a must read. I have read this and give it out as it concisely explains how we should view God’s law and our lives.

As far as seeing how law relates to life this is a great audio resource: The Best of the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy

If you would like to understand the topic of patriarchy from a biblical perspective Family Man, Family Leader is a must have resource.

If you would like a book that speaks on nutrition and health I highly recommend Health for Godly Generations. My wife and daughter have read this, it is next on my list, and they thoroughly enjoyed and were edified by it.

I want to add that while I am a Vision Forum Affiliate and get a small percentage from the sales that go through the above links I recommend these books no matter where you buy them or what link you use.

Recovering Biblical Patriarchy

2011-11-02T13:34:00.001-07:00

What is it about the word “Patriarchy” that sets many people into a rage and others into a mode of finding a way around even speaking about the word? Now of course there is the usual argument that some person or other has abused the idea of patriarchy but that is not a valid mode of argumentation and actually avoids the nature of the subject. Are we to remove every doctrine that is abused or are we to seek what scripture has to say and then seek to correct the errors that may exist? Also, there exists the thinking that patriarchy is some sort of vestige of a bygone era that we are to jettison since we have evolved out of that archaic way of thinking. Many evangelicals talk this way even if they do not use the idea of evolution in their language as they still speak of patriarchy as some form of Old Testament bondage.

I do not think the avoidance and rejection of “Biblical Patriarchy” is to be separated from the biblical illiteracy that exists in the church today. Nor are we to separate it from the misguided view of the Christian life that does not see a need to follow God’s commands and principles that are found in the “entire” canon of scripture. Both of these mindsets lead to denying or misunderstanding biblical patriarchy. I do want to stress “Biblical” when speaking of patriarchy since I readily agree that there are many that have taken the biblical concept of patriarchy and run in their own, unbiblical, direction. However as mentioned before, even if there are those that abuse correct doctrinal principles that does not necessitate the eradication of that doctrine.

So is patriarchy biblical? I am not going to even come close to dealing with this subject exhaustively. I think Phillip Lancaster in his book Family Man, Family Leader does a great job of setting out what biblical patriarchy looks like. I have heard, but have not confirmed, of issues with the authors practice of patriarchy but if one simply takes the text of the book and looks at the scripture given and does due diligence in seeking out God’s word I think regardless of the ultimate direction of the author the principles put forth are clearly biblical. What I want to do in the rest of the article is to briefly see how the concept of patriarchy is intrinsic to Christianity and thus patriarchy as seen in the family is simply a living picture of God’s working in His world.

First let me make it clear that I not only find scripture infallible, sadly a place many stop, but also hold to scripture being sufficient for every good work that God has set out for us (2 Tim 3:16-17). Thus not only has God set out the basics of life but also His word directs all areas of life, in precept and/or principle. Also, we are not to limit our search for God’s directions for life to the last third of scripture, the New Testament, as many are wont to do but are to take 2 Timothy 3:16 seriously and seek God’s direction for a God glorifying life in all of His word and that includes the Old Testament.

That said, we need to start with the relationship in the Godhead. In the trinity we see a patriarchal relationship between the Father, Son and Spirit in that the Father sends the Son (John 6:44, 16:28 ) and the son the Spirit. (John 15:26) We also see the Son do as the Father commands (Luke 22:42; John 14:31). So the relationship in the Godhead is a patriarchal one.

How about the relationship with Israel and the people of God seen in the Old Testament which foreshadows His relationship with us? Throughout scripture God is seen as Father and thus His relationship with His people is patriarchal as one of a Father to His children. Even the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph, are seen as the leaders of their families, which is not shown in scripture as a model to be done away with or to be modified. We see in the Old Testament that the fathers were to lead as directed by God as fathers today are to lead as directed by the all sufficient word of God and as empowered by the Holy Spirit. Yes, Christ is the head of the church as its bridegroom but God, as in the past, still works through fathers as a picture of Christ leading His church and thus we are to lead as God directs. That is key since patriarchy is not about fathers leading families by their every whim. But it is about fathers leading the families God has them over as directed by His Word and Spirit.

Lastly we see God has set men over the family in the context of marriage as clearly seen in Ephesians 5:22-31. This is a passage much maligned and manipulated by those desiring to do away with patriarchy and male headship as set forth by God. Also, this passage is often abused by those claiming to hold to patriarchy, I intentionally left out “biblical,” and is used to claim some sort of unbiblical leadership role. The Ephesians 5 passage instead sets out that the relationship of the man to the women is one of head, as in leader, as Christ is the head of the church. We have seen in our day not only the erosion of male headship and patriarchy but also, by practice, the dissolution of Christ as head of the church and I think this is a natural outcome. When the doctrine of Christ and His relationship to the church is minimized or abandoned there are repercussions and the loss of a biblical understanding of patriarchy and family is one of those results.

This was by far not a thorough explanation of “Biblical Patriarchy” but I hope it showed a connection with the entirety of scripture and set some ground work for the recovery of biblical patriarchy. We need to see that patriarchy is not simply a bygone practice of some other era but is how God has worked, and still works. We need to not simply regain some outward form of male headship and fathers being leaders in the home but we need to recover a right view of patriarchy and see it being implemented in the home for God’s glory and the good of His people.

Law & LIberty Book Giveaway

2011-10-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the Chalcedon booth at the latest NCFIC conference (Gospel-Centered Marriages for a Glorious Church ) I have three Law & Liberty books by R.J. Rushdoony to give away. There will be one given away each month from now until January so if you do not get one this month check back the beginning of December and January.

I will collect names until 5PM (PST) on Wednesday the 9th of November. Here is how you can get multiple entries: One entry can be gained by leaving comment to this blog post. You can get additional entries by placing a link to the giveaway on your blog and leaving a link to the post on your blog in a comment here. Another entry can be gained by sharing this post on Facebook or sharing the post that is already there. Lastly, you can share this giveaway on Goolge+. So, leave a comment here, on the Facebook or on the Goolge+ post letting me know the methods you have used to enter.

Love and Law

2011-10-17T06:00:00.000-07:00

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.” ~ 1 John 5:2 (KJV)

Have you ever read a verse over and over and then one day see it differently. Well that was what happened to me in studying for a sermon on 1 John 5:1-5. What I had not noticed before was that John does not make the connection of loving the children of God by what we do to the children of God, directly, but by how we love God and obey His commands. If this does not strike you let me repeat; we show our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ by loving God and obeying His commandments.

What struck me was the connection between love and law, His commandments. A connection that most believe is nonexistent since most see love and law being at odds with each other. Ask the average professing believer what they think of the law as it relates to love and you will either get a blank stare or more than likely they will say that they are not connected. But, John after speaking throughout his letter about the life of the believer, says that love for one another is shown by loving God and being obedient to God’s commandments, living out His law.

Now most may not have an issue with the connection to loving God and if obeying God’s command is about His call to love one another they may also not see an issue. However, the passage says “commandments” and thus this is not speaking to only one command of God but about His law, His commands. How can this be so? How can obeying God’s law reveal love for each other?

As I thought through this it became clear that as we love God and obey His commands we do what not only glorifies God, our first duty, but we do what God sees as best for one another. When we seek to show love for one another by our own standards we end up with all sorts of problems as we try by our own devises to show love. We need to see that God has set out in His word how we show love for one another and that includes obeying His law. Not just that part of God’s law we like but all of His law as reveled in His word. God’s word is sufficient for all of life and that is why we are to obey His commands and when we do so we not only show our love for God but also for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

An example of this is when Paul speaks to the Corinthian church about the man that was having an affair with his father’s wife (1 Cor 5). Paul tells them that in their efforts to seem accepting they did what not even the world would accept. To deal with this Paul tells them they should discipline the man as God’s word speaks to dealing with sin and not overlooking it. That they need to obey God’s word and commands and not come up with their own law. This is all done not out of retribution but out of love for the man as the goal is reconciliation, to them and God.

We need to regain a view of the law that is not at odds with love and grace. The opposite of law is lawlessness and that is what God’s law deals with and as believers we need to seek to obey the law and help our brothers and sisters in the Lord do so as well. Is it not loving to be used by God to help His children stay on the path His law gives us to live on or to let them wander of God’s path. God will do what is necessary for His children to live lives that glorify Him and we need to seek to help others avoid the discipline that will come from straying.

For more on obeying God’s law and seeing how that work’s itself out as love you can listen to the sermon that led me to look at this subject: Love and Law. I know that for many this is new since for so long the evangelical world as set up a wall between Love and Law, Grace and Law, but that wall does not exist in scripture. Yes, the law is not to be seen as a way to salvation but the law is used by God as a means to lead one to salvation and for the child of God His law is used as the path for life. So let us regain a love for His law and see that this will reveal love, biblical love, for one another.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (10/13/11) – Political Edition

2011-10-13T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here are two articles with regards to voting for Ron Paul. What is interesting and useful is both articles are from people that could be said come from basically the same side of the theological tracks: “Should Christians Vote for Ron Paul” by Stephen Halbrook & “Yes, Christians Should Vote for Ron Paul; or why Treebeard Is Not a Good Example for Christians” by Bojidar Marinov.

Some good articles by Bill Einwechter on government and politics: “Government and Jurisdiction” , “Evangelical Political Compromise”, “Government” and “ The Biblical Model for Civil Government.” There are a host of articles at his website, Darash Press, that I would highly recommend reading.

Chuck Baldwin writes on the “Black Regiment” or as some have called the “Black Robed Regiment” which refers to the clergy that spoke up during the countries war for independence: The Black Regiment Led the Fight in Our War for Independence.

Pastor Joe Morecraft III speaks on the issue of religion and politics: Godless Conservatism Has Failed; Time For Christians To Act Like Christians, Proclaim Christ’s Lordship Over Politics, Too

News Alert: You are a Slave!!

2011-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Some may see this title andthink I am going to speak to the government and its enslavement of the peoplethrough a plethora of unjust, unconstitutional and most importantly unbiblicallaws. While that is a tempting subject withall that is going on around us that is not my intended direction. While all of the above may be true I want usto see that we are all slaves, it is just a matter of who we are slaves of.

Yes, God’s word tells us weare either slaves of righteousness or sin (Rom 6:16-23). Slaves of Christ or slaves of Satan. Now, our sinful nature does not like to seeourselves as slaves but Paul does not mince words in letting us know there isno in between; we are to see ourselves as either slaves of one or the other. Our slavery is not contingent on that whichis around us as in our environment but that which has been changed, or notchanged within us. Of course we will seethe outworking’s of this change, our inward disposition, and thus as theletters of 1 John and James make clear our actions and proclamations in lifewill reveal whose we are. They will revealwho is our master.

In 1 Cor 7:22-23 we see Paulexplain how as a child of God we are called to be a slave of Christ. No matter how much our flesh seeks to be itsown person, be autonomous, we as believers need to understand our true positionwith God is as a slave. It is by gracewe are called out of our slavery to sin into slavery to the law of God becauseit is only in the law of God we find true liberty. What a joy it is to be called by God out ofour sin to serve him and not the sin we previously so loved since to sin, letalone live in sin, is true slavery (John 8:34).

Now that we know we areslaves, at least I pray we see we are, we need to understand that the work of aslave is to obey his master. One who isenslaved to sin by his very nature willingly follows the world and thus will bea slave of it. The nature of one who isa slave to sin and not righteousness will be averse to the law of God, oftenadamantly so, and seek to do what they can to serve their master, sin.

Many decry the call to obeyGod’s commands as being legalistic and the antithesis of grace. However, James 1:25 speaks of the law ofliberty but sadly many that profess Christ and cry out for liberty see God’slaw as curtailing liberty rather than enlarging it as God’s word reveals. The issue that most miss when it comes tobeing obedient to God’s law is that to disobey God’s law is to lead one to berestrained, enslaved, by the consequences of the sin that ensues from stayingfrom God’s perfect law. Thus, onlyobedience to God’s law brings true liberty, biblical liberty.

We that are the called of Godneed to live as the slave we are called to be, obedient. We need to seek to please the only masterworth pleasing. Not to gain anything butmerely for the pleasure of worshipping the King of kings and Lord of lords. We need to understand and grasp that God’s lawis meant to bring true liberty. Man isnotorious for seeking to set up his own kingdoms and laws but they all end intyranny and slavery apart from being founded and grounded in the law of God. As obedient slaves of Christ we need to, nomust, seek by His power to follow His word. Not just those portions we like, not just the words in red and not justthose commands of Jesus found in the last 1/3 of God’s book. No we as slaves of the most high God need toseek to follow all of His word which takes effort, a lot of effort, but becauseour affections have been changed by the one we serve this effort is notburdensome and we as His adopted children will desire to serve our master.

Yes we are slaves and I forone am grateful I am a slave of Christ and have been called out of my slaveryto sin and the world to serve Him. Notby my merit but by His grace. We are notcalled at the cross just to some place to spend eternity but to serve and obeyour master in the here and now. We arecalled to make His glory known in all the world and that can only be done byseeing the Masters word as all sufficient and being obedient to that very same word.

What a joy it is to be aslave of Christ.

The Sufficiency of Scripture and Age Segregaton

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

There has been a fair amount of reaction to the movie put out by the NCFIC called Divided. You can watch the movie free online at the Divided website for around one more month. From my experience the reaction has either been positive in that people have seen the issue dealt with in the movie in their church or in churches they have been in as well as people coming to see the lack of support in scripture for age segregation. The other reaction has been that of anger and a rejection of the premise put forth in the movie. As with many things the negative reactions seem to get the most notice.

The truth is I fully understand the negative reaction. If one has been entrenched in a model such as age segregation for so long and then for someone to question the practice and put forth that it is unbiblical will often engender an adverse reaction. In my seminary training age segregation was taken as a given and in all truthfulness was accepted because of worldly psychological theories rather than any biblical commands. If there was a biblical conviction it was that we needed to share the gospel and so we need to do what ever was necessary to do and since psychological theory said we learn best being in our own age group that is the model that was accepted. I truly believe that the best intentions were put forth but as has been said before; the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Good intentions are not what we are held accountable to but scripture is. We need to seek out in all we do to be true to scripture 2 Tim 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” Is it tough to give up the practices that have been so drummed into us over the many years of use, yes. But that is exactly what we need to do. We need to return to not only proclaim the sufficiency of scripture but to actually seek to live out that claim. To do this one needs to truly believe that scripture is sufficient for all of life, and let me assure you that the word of God, all of it, is just that “SUFFCIENT.”

There have been some that have tried to argue that the Hebrew children were segregated for teaching or that the Puritans separated out their children for training. Without dealing with the validity of each of these statements the issue is not what others have done, as helpful as that may or may not be, but what scripture says. The actions of those before us can help inform us but our actions need to be directed and driven by the word of God. When we face God for our actions we will not be able to use the actions of others as an excuse when we have the word of God so available. Again, this is not to minimize those that have gone before us but often we not only learn from their successes but also from their failures. Man is fallible and prone to error but God is not and neither is His word and that is why we are called to follow God and not man.

At the end of the day the issue at hand is the sufficiency of Scripture and age segregation is just one of the results of not holding to Scripture as sufficient for all areas of life. One needs to ask; if the professing church gives up the sufficiency of scripture in the area that the movie Divided touches on what is next. The Gospel is grounded in an all-sufficient scripture not a somewhat sufficient scripture. The Gospel is grounded in the word of God that was given to His people so that they could worship Him in all they do and how we disciple youth is one area we are not glorifying God as we should because by and large the professing church is telling God we know better. So let us return to Scripture for all we do including how we disciple.

The Divided site has a number of FAQ to help deal with questions about the movie. Also, here are some other reviews of the movie:

When Man's Traditions Collide with God's Law - Corban and Sunday Schools – Kevin Swanson
Response to Tim Challies Review of Divided Movie – Fred Wolfe
A Review of "Divided: the Movie" – Buddy Hanson
Tim Challies’ Harsh Review of Dividedthemovie.com – Scott Brown (this also includes a link to Tim Challies review of Divided)

Around the Web and Blogosphere (7/21/11)

2011-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

William Einwechter has a new site, Darash Press, that will be place to view his many writings. Darash is a Hebrew verb menaing to search out or study. I have greatly beneffited from Mr. Einwechter’s writings. Here is what the About Page says:

“Darash Press is an internet and book publishing venture of William O. Einwechter that is focused on the exposition and application of God's infallible Word and God's perfect Law for the instruction and edification of Christians as they seek to bring every area of thought and practice under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our particular focus is in some specific areas where the conflict with doctrinal and practical error is especially intense in our day: ethics, the family, education, law, politics, and eschatology. We desire to articulate a biblical response to autonomy, antinomianism, natural law, legal positivism, political secularism and pluralism, the messianic state, feminism, the break-down of God's order for the family, and the pessimism of much of the church's eschatology.”

Tim Challies has posted an uncharitable review of the NCFIC documentary Divided, here, where he encourages others not to even watch the movie. Scott Brown has posted a response; Tim Challies’ Harsh Review of Dividedthemovie.com. As has Fred Wolfe: Response to Tim Challies Review of Divided the Movie. It is interesting that he would want people not to watch Divided” It’s a destructive message wrapped in a poorly-made documentary. The church would do well to ignore it.” but does not speak against reading such books as the Twilight series in his review of them: “But I know there are some, perhaps myself included, who may allow an older teenager to read it.” By the way I would encourage you to watch Divided as it is free online for a short time. It may step on some toes, obviously Tim Challies had his stepped on, but often that is what we need to wake up and see what is going on around us.

Jesse Murch has an article entitled: Forgetting How to Blush? He references Jeremiah 6:15
” Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the LORD.”

How true this is, for myself as much as anyone. We need to learn to live by God’s word and realize what we need to be ashamed of. 1 John 2:28 speaks of us abiding in Him so that we do not shrink away in shame when he appears. We need to realize that we live before God now so that we live in a manner that we should not be ashamed of and that can only be done by abiding in Him and living by His word through His power.

Yes, the Governor of the State of California signed into law that Gay History, by the way this will of course be manipulated history, needs to be taught. If Christian parents thought it was safe to send their children to the government indoctrination centers before, and it was not, it should be exceedingly clear now that they are not a place for children of believing parents. By the way if one thinks Charter Schools are the answer you need to think again since Charter Schools, from what I can discern from the rules regulating them, are held to the same guidelines and standards as the government schools, you just get to do it at home. The New Geneva Academy has an article on this called: God’s Wrath Kindled Against the Ungodly Statist Schools. The article does a good job of showing how we are to view this action.

The Sufficiency of Scripture in Choosing Leaders

2011-06-18T19:17:00.000-07:00

Well, we are only a little under a year and a half away from another presidential election and the rhetoric has already started, as have the pragmatic calls from professing Christians to vote for just about anyone but the current president. Far too many professing believers do not take their Bibles to the ballot box and if they do I think it is only used to stand on so they can reach the ballot. But if we do not seek God’s word for who we are to vote for then our only other alternative is to turn to ourselves and that seldom, if ever, turns out well. It is when we seek to find candidates that are biblically qualified as God’s word lays out that God is glorified and that is to be our goal. While we desire to see the tyrannical leadership that is in office removed, our first goal as a child of God is to seek to glorify HIm in our voting. This does not just happen via the results of an election but in the manner those results are reached.

God is not glorified when we seek to find the “most” qualified candidate. He is not qualified when we simply seek to find the “least” evil candidate. However, He is glorified when we vote using His word, all of it, as our standard. How often does one vote for a candidate that would never be qualified to be an elder or deacon in ones church? But is that not the issue, as even in the church the standards for those God has called to lead us have been so minimized that anyone can fill the position as long as they appear to provide us some benefit. This is all endemic of an even greater issue and that is the issue of not seeing God’s word as all sufficient. I say “all” sufficient as many claim God’s word as being sufficient but they only mean, at best, as it relates to “spiritual” matters. This, however, misses the point that all things are spiritual. I wrote on the issue of the sufficiency of Scripture some months ago, The Sufficiency of Scripture, ALL of Scripture, and it is still relevant today. 2 Tim 3:16-17 does not just speak to the inspiration of Scripture but also speaks to the sufficiency of it as it is God’s word that equips us for every good work and choosing leaders is a good work that God has called us to take part in.

I write all of this to encourage Gods people to seek God for direction in voting and not to wait till November of 2012, start now. I hesitated here when speaking of God’s direction to use the word guidance as often the word guidance is seen more about seeking God for suggestions, when in truth God’s word is much more directive. It does more than simply making suggestions for such things as who we seek to be our leaders. God sets out qualifications for those He desires us to seek as leaders and not just in the church but also in the nation. One resource that I found very helpful was a talk given given by Doug Phillips called: Biblical Principles of the Ballot Box (you can also go get the MP3 here). While some may not agree with the conclusions Mr. Philips arrives at it will drive one to find biblical rebuttals rather than seeking the pragmatic conclusions which we so often find ourselves doing. The world may not understand any of this but we are not called to make account to the world for our actions but to God. Let us be able to stand before God and say we chose candidates that His word directed us to chose and not that we chose candidates that met most or some of His qualification but were the best of the bunch.

Elections are just another test of who we trust, God our something else. Let us stand with Joshua and be able to say that “as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15). It is when we stand according to God’s word in light of all that may look pleasing or best that we most glorify God. Let us choose all of our leaders by God’s standards and not ours. Let us seek to support the most qualified men of God that God has placed among us, and they do exist.

Start now to scour scripture for God’s qualifications for the men He desires to lead us and be ready to make decisions based on those very same words. Do not let the world lead you to think that God’s word is not sufficient to make choices for choosing leaders. At the end of the day no matter who wins an election God is in control and it is God we will have to answer to and until we begin to reveal to God our reliance on HIm and His word we will get the leadership we deserve.

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." -- John Quincy Adams

Around the Web and Blogosphere (6/15/11)

2011-06-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well it has been some time since I have posted one of these, life sure has been busy.

If you want to start an argument try talk about patriarchy. The problem is that most people seem to either not understand patriarchy or understand it from what they have seen in someone who may have abused it. The issue is we need to be seeking what God says about leadership in the family and patriarchy is simply the outworking of God’s all sufficient word in the family. Here is a good article on patriarchy: The Tenants of Biblical Patriarchy.

Here is an article from Bill Roth regarding entrepreneurialism: 7 Signs God Wired You for Entrepreneurship. I am not sure about you but number 7 is the one I struggle with the most as risk is uncomfortable and who wants to be uncomfortable. The truth is God will put often put us in positions that may seem risky so that we learn to rely on Him for me entrepreneurism may be one of those areas.

The New Geneva Ambassador School Blog has a good article on government schools entitled: The Evil Conquest of the Government Schools. Christians need to wake up and realize the nature of the government schools they are willingly sending their children to.

The Winton’s new album Rest Assured is out and it is very good. If you like bluegrass I am sure you will enjoy this album, and their first one. We are also glad that they will be stopping buy a friends house for a home concert at the end of August, Lord willing. You can hear some of their music from their first album and couple songs from the new one here.

How We Walk Reflects Whose We Are

2011-05-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

Ever since the fall man has had a desire to be God. The serpent told Eve “hath God said” (Gen 3:1) and then quickly said, with reference to eating the fruit that was forbidden, “ye shall be as gods.” This was all done to play on Eve’s desire to be as God, a desire we also struggle with. The truth is that to be like God is not in and of itself wrong if our intention is to walk as He walks (1 John 2:6). The issue comes when we simply want to be God, when we want to walk as we desire and in the process reveal our desire to be God. That was Eve’s error, as she wanted to not just be like God but wanted to be as God and thus be autonomous.

This error of autonomy has not been diminished by time. We constantly hear how man has progressed, evolved, and is improving but a look at the world will reveal something much different. Man still has a desire to be as God and create his own world and man sees no reason to seek after God for His guidance and direction. This is expected from the world as it walks in darkness, and loves it (John 3:19), but for those professing Christ to seek to live by their own standards and desires is to deny ones profession. This desire for autonomy is what John deals with in his letter of 1 John and what our flesh fights against.

Far too many professing believers seem to seek after ways to avoid God’s law rather than scour scripture for how we are to follow it. We need to, instead, dig deeply into the entirety of God’s word to find what God desires, what He commands, so that we may walk by those commands. John is clear that how we walk does not save us but he is equally clear that how we walk does reflect whose we are. We must take verses such as those in John 14 seriously when they speak to reflecting our love for God by our affection for His commands:

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

John 14:21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

John 14:23 Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

John 14:24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

John 14:31 is for all those that claim to want to walk as Jesus walked but struggle with a call to obey the law; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

When these verses are seen in light of 1 John, as if they were not enough on their own, we should not come to any conclusion but that God desires those that are His to walk by His word, and His word alone. What is so liberating about 1 John is that John ties Christ’s work to our ability to live as most glorifies God. This is not about God setting before us an impossible command but instead reveals that God’s call is not simply to a place with Him in the future but to a life lived for Him now. A life lived according to His word and by His power. We must always remember that our call to God is not about us, even though that is the focus of much so-called evangelism, but about Him. It is about living a life focused on glorifying Him above all things as our worship of Him This may be difficult and at times unpleasant but it is not burdensome (1 John 5:3) as God empowers us to worship Him with our lives and that is to be our focus.

To some that have been raised on the pablum of the church of today this call may sound like legalism. But the issue is that the term legalism is often bandied about in such a way to label anything that steps on our autonomy as such. Many throw out the word legalism anytime they are called to action, called to live in a manner decreed by God’s word. Often when one calls for a change in the actions of the church they are equated to Pharisees but this misses one of the issues with the Pharisees, their heart. Jesus in Matt 23:27 spoke of the Pharisees as whitewashed tombs which we need to see does not denigrate what they did but spoke to the heart behind their actions. We are to live by God’s word empowered by God given affections for his law, affections that move us to live in a manner that glorifies Him and not us.

The issue is that scripture clearly calls us to live by His commands and this, for those that are truly His, should drive us to His word to find out what this living is to look like. Let us live by His word, and by His word I mean all of it, and thus show our love for God. John did not say we would achieve perfection but he did call us to desire perfection (1 John 2:1) in how we live. Should we fail we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). What a joy it is to know that we are not seeking to live according to His word by our power but by His.

Let us seek to glorify God in all we do and in the process our walk will reveal whose we are.

Download the 2009 NCFIC Sufficiency of Scripture for FREE.

2011-04-22T07:01:00.000-07:00

You can download the MP3s from the 2009 NCFIC Sufficiency of Scripture for free here. You can also download them from SermonAudio here.

Thanks to the NCFIC for making this great resource available.

Titles and Speakers:

1) Do Not Learn the Way of the Gentiles ~ Scott Brown

2) The Defining Battles in the War Against the Sufficiency of Scripture ~ Doug Phillips

3) Our Declining Church and Culture - the Genesis Connection and How to Continue a Godly Heritage ~ Ken Ham

4) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Manhood and Womanhood ~ Voddie Baucham
5) The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Heart of the NCFIC ~ Doug Phillips
6) Scripture is Sufficient for Personal Sanctification ~ Andy Davis
7) The Regulative Principle of Worship in the Old Testament ~ Joe Morecraft
8) Scripture is Sufficient for Suffering ~ R.C. Sproul, Jr.
9) English Bibles and the Sufficiency of Scripture ~ Bill Einwechter
10) Scripture is Sufficient for Woman's Ministry Part 1:Teachers of Good Things ~ Jeff Pollard
11) The Sufficiency of Scripture for the Laws of Nations ~ Doug Phillips
12) Scripture is Sufficient for Child Discipline ~ Steve Breagy
13) But How Could a Loving God Say...? ~ Dan Horn
14) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Building Faith and Transforming Character ~ Andy Davis
15) Scripture is Sufficient for Personal Evangelism ~ Paul Washer
16) Applying the Sufficiency of Scripture in the Botkin Family ~ Geoff Botkin
17) The Regulative Principle of Worship in the New Testament ~ Joe Morecraft
18) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Family Life ~ Kevin Swanson
19) God's Law or Chaos ~ Bill Einwechter
20) Scripture is Sufficient for Woman's Ministry Part 2:Keepers at Home ~ Jeff Pollard
21) Is the Sufficiency of Scripture a Biblical Doctrine ~ Joe Morecraft
22) Scripture is Sufficient for Ministry to Youth ~ Scott Brown
23) The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Gospel ~ Paul Washer
24) Scripture is Sufficient for Your Educational Decisions ~ Kevin Swanson
25) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Evangelizing the Nations ~ Paul Washer
26) The Sufficiency of Scripture for the Church Discipline ~ Joe Morecraft
27) The Sufficiency of Scripture for the Importance of the Sabbath ~ Dan Horn
28) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Habits of Obedience ~ Andy Davis
29) Youth Ministry ~ Voddie Baucham
30) The Sufficiency of Scripture and Family Integration ~ Kevin Swanson
31) The Sufficiency of Scripture for Culture as Aesthetics ~ Doug Phillips
32) Scripture is Sufficient to Define and Govern the Church ~ Dan Horn
33) Scripture is Sufficient for Times of Spiritual Decline ~ Bill Einwechter
34) The Importance of Biblical Family Life for the Spread of the Gospel ~ Paul Washer
35) The Sufficiency of Scripture in the Disciple-Making Ministry of the Church and the Home ~ Voddie Baucham

What Law do you Love?

2011-04-13T08:41:00.000-07:00

Yes that is the question, “What Law Do You Love?”. Not “Do you love the Law of God”, which is a viable question, but “What Law do You Love” since we all love some law. It is either the Law of God or a law of our own making, but we all love some law. Many try and seek to avoid what they label as legalism by claiming to only be held to those commands explicitly found in the New Testament or those things that Jesus mentions. Others will say we do not need the law since being a “New Testament” believer we have the Holy Sprit and thus any attempt to claim a need for adherence to some form of written law is stifling of the Sprit.

What I find interesting with most claims to not needing the law of God, as laid out in all of His word and correctly applied, is that most in seeking to avoid the law set up their own. They in essence create their own form of legalism that others are to be held to. That is what happens when we avoid and ignore God’s law as revealed in His Holy Word. We have an innate desire to uphold some form of Law. Paul in Romans 2:14-15 speaks of this law that is written on the heart of even the unbeliever. This creates a need in man for some form of law but apart from God we can only create the disaster we see today created by the avoidance of God’s law.

As believers, the elect of God, we have the law written on our hearts (Jer 321:1-34) not as some try to read into the passage such that we do not need God’s word. No, this written law on our hearts speaks to the God given desire to please Him in following His word by the power of the Spirit. This is not about a “Get out of the Law” card when we are called by God to Himself. Quite the opposite; as when God calls us and writes His law on our hearts our desire and affections are changed such that we will seek to follow His commands. 1 John 5:1-2 makes it clear that our changed nature will, by God’s design and power, love Him and obey His commandments.

Our natural desire is to be as God and create our own laws. We are by nature “antinomian” but only as it relates to God’s law or for that matter any law that is put over us but our own, or laws we approve of. We see this desire for being the law maker in the garden with the first Adam and this penchant is only broken by the Second Adam. God changes our desires at the cross in that we become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) not an over hauled creation but a new one. Yes, we still struggle with the flesh such that the desire to still be as God exists in some form. However for the believer, by the power of God, we are not bound to the old desires and affections. That is why John, in 1st John, in speaking to believers can speak as he does and calls them to look at their lives as a testimony to God’s work in them.

I began this by asking “What Law Do You Love? As a Church we need to regain an understanding of God’s Law and its uses and purpose. It is not a means of salvation but a path to walk on due to salvation. The law does not stop working once it drives His people to the cross but once at the cross it is still of use. For too long the evangelism of the church has effectively made Christ’s efficacious work stop at the cross. But it does not. We are called to the cross not for our benefit but for God’s glory. We continue in life after the cross also for His glory and it is by living and walking in and by the light of God’s entire word that we continue to glorify the only one that is worthy of Glory

Whenever I read through the Psalm 119 I repeatedly asked myself how anyone can read the words of the psalmist and still deny our need to love and follow God’s law. The psalmist repeatedly speaks to his love for the law of God. This love is not for what we would term salvation but for its guidance and its glorification of the one who created it. Here are some examples:

Psalm 119:97 ~ Oh how I love your law!, It is my meditation all the day.
Psalm 119:113 ~ I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.
Psalm 119:163 ~ I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.
Psalm 119:165 ~ Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Let us turn from our own law and turn to the only perfect law. The only law that leads us to live lives that glorify God, as God desires to be glorified. It is not for us, being imperfect as we are, to decide how we are to live and be the lights we are called to be. It is God in his infinite wisdom and righteousness that dictates our path. Not just in ordaining our steps but in lighting and directing their way by His word.

Charles Spurgeon put it this way with regards to God’s law:

For the Unbeleiver:
“The law is, so to speak, Jesus Christ's dog, to go after his sheep, and bring them to the shepherd; the law is the thunderbolt which affrighteth ungodly men, and maketh them turn from the error of their ways, and seek after God.”

For the Beleiver:
“What is God's law now? It is not above a Christian—it is under a Christian. Some men hold God's law like a rod, in terrorem, over Christians, and say, "If you sin you will be punished with it." It is not so. The law is under a Christian; it is for him to walk on, to be his guide, his rule, his pattern. "We are not under the law, but under grace." Law is the road which guides us, not the rod which drives us, nor the spirit which actuates us. The law is good and excellent, if it keeps its place.”
(Delivered on Sabbath Morning, March 2, 1856)

We must realize we are all submitting to some law. Either the law we create, a law another creates or to that of God. We also need to realize that no matter how we may fight against God’s law we are still held to it. God does not set His law aside simply because we do not obey it. He is not like a child who takes his ball and goes home because no one will play. No, God will be glorified and His law will be obeyed. It is just a matter of what God will do to bring this about. We should understand that the world will object to the law of God and resist it. Let not those who profess Christ do the same.

Let us love the only law worthy of being loved and obeyed, God’s law.

Vision Forum Spring Savings Sale

2011-03-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

This week Vision Forum is having a Spring Savings Sale with 40% - 70% off 400+ items. Also each day there is a special item that is at least 80% off. Sale ends April 2^nd.

A Review of: A Weed in the Church

2011-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally got to reading Scott Brown’s book A Weed in the Church: How a culture of age segregation is harming the younger generations, fragmenting the family, and dividing the church. The issue of age segregation in the church is a subject that starts many a disagreement if one should broach the subject as to its detriment to the church especially in the modern youth ministry. Not because of some explicit command in scripture to divide up the church, especially youth, by age but because that is just how things have been done for some time. Scott’s writing of this book is not only timely but a much needed source for looking at how “age segregation” is affecting the church and the biblical approach to discipling youth.

When I first read the title, A Weed in the Church I thought Scott was asking for trouble but I am thankful for his boldness to call modern youth ministry what it is, an invasion into God’s plan for His church, a plan that Scott sets out in the pages of this book. He does so in a way that seeks to try not only show that the present form of youth ministry that is practiced is not prescribed in the pages of scripture but also to show that there is a plan for how to disciple youth in the Bible. For this I am grateful as often it is easy to see that one cannot find anything that looks like the age segregated ministry we see today in scripture but it is not always clearly stated that God has not left us without direction. It is clear that Scott sees scripture as not only sufficient for some things but finds it sufficient for all things, including how to disciple youth.

Scott also shows a love for those that are in modern youth ministry as he does not seek to bash them as he recognizes that they have good intentions and are trying to do what they feel will please God. But he seeks to show that good intentions apart from the commands of God are not the direction we are to go, no matter the immediate benefit we may see. The modern youth ministry of our day is showing that while the short term befits may appear positive in the long run modern youth ministry has failed to develop fully mature disciples of Christ as a whole. This is to be expected when man’s humanistic methods are employed to try and do God’s work, especially when God has set out His plan in His word and we simply need to abide by them.

One thing I personally thought of when I read the title was that as a youth I saw weeds as not necessarily all bad. Often the grass in our yard was dying, probably from the weeds, so the weeds added color and from my perspective were not all that bad. They seemed to accomplish what grass was to do, cover the ground and be green. But at the end of the day the weeds were an intrusion and were not to be there and simply because my perspective did not seem that that way it did not make them a good thing. Such is modern youth ministry as from the perspective of many in the age segregation movement it appears as a good thing but if one seeks to see it from God’s perspective, by reading and studying His word, one begins to see it is not what the church should be partaking in.

A Weed in the Church is broken up into 5 sections with the first being Orientation. Here Scott sets out the lay of the land and sets forth some definitions and qualifications. Next is Evaluation Historical Roots and Current Landscapes that speaks of the “Rise” and “Fruit” of modern youth ministry. The third section is, Multiplying Biblical Solutions for the Discipleship of Youth where he looks at youth ministry and the scriptural picture of what it should look like as well as the results of neglecting true youth discipleship. Fourthly Scott has a section on Answering Objections where he looks at many of the objections that are put forth when the proposition of abandoning age segregated youth ministry is offered up. Lastly Scott writes on Implementation and how one moves from where we are to a multigenerational form of worship.

I highly recommend this book and if you are one who sees great benefit in age segregated youth ministry I can only ask that you read the book with a mind to see what it has to say. Then weigh the content with scripture and let the word of God speak to the subject, as it so clearly does. Anyone seeking to make disciples should have as their one desire that of glorifying God and that does not only happen in the disciple that is developed but also by the method used to make disciples. Truthfully the fruit of ministry over time shows that fully mature and God glorifying disciples are most often produced by the methods God directs in His word. Let us seek to follow those methods and not the methods of man.

Thank you Scott.

Free Ticket to “Family Strategies: Practical Issues for Building Healthy Families”

2011-02-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in winning a free ticket to “Family Strategies: Practical Issues for Building Healthy Families” leave a comment that you want to be entered by 5PM (PST) Sunday February 27^th. I will be giving away one free ticket to the weekly messages from Doug and Beall Phillips courtesy of Vision Forum and will announce the winner Monday the February 28^th and then you can email me your mailing and email addresses and Vision Forum will get you the information you need sign on for your weekly downloads.

If you do not win a free ticket you can still sign up and here are the details on how it works:

Receive a New Family Strategies Message in Your Inbox Every Tuesday!

Get your new Family Strategies message every Tuesday morning. Beginning March 1, every Tuesday morning for twenty weeks you will receive a link to your new downloadable message from Doug or Beall, hosted at Vision Forum’s partner website BlueBehemoth.com. To access your first download, simply create a free BlueBehemoth.com account and then follow the easy instructions in your weekly emails to download your messages at no additional charge.

Listen to the messages at your convenience on your computer, iPod, or other portable MP3 player. And, don’t worry if you miss a week due to travel. The messages will be there waiting for you.

Order by March 1 and save $10, plus receive two bonus messages as our gift. At $85, Family Strategies is a 20-message series sent directly to your inbox each week for less than $5 per message. But make sure you order by February 28, as that price will go up! With your order confirmation email, we will also send you coupons to download two important, family-affirming bonus messages for free: Victories: Moments Small and Large Which Define Christian Parenting, and How to Evaluate a Suitor.

A weekly energy boost for the price of a fancy cup of coffee. For about the price of a fancy cup of coffee, you can get a real energy jolt — a weekly encouragement boost from Doug and Beall in which they share their favorite and best strategies for building family unity.

Topics to be covered:

1. How to Organize Your Home to Promote Family Unity

2. How to Cultivate a Love of Reading with Your Children

3. How to Make Mealtime Meaningful

4. How to Prepare for a Year of Home Education

5. How to Take Children Safely Through an Airport

6. How to Involve the Whole Family in Family Worship

7. How to Address the Plague of “Jive Talk” in Your Home

8. How to Encourage Masculinity in Sons

9. How to Encourage Femininity in Daughters

10. How to Handle a Social Worker Visit

11. How to Wage War on Sibling Rivalry

12. How to Use Household Decorations to Teach Character

13. How to Talk to Your Children about Miscarriage

14. How to Involve the Whole Family in Hospitality

15. How to Build an Entrepreneurial Spirit in Your Children

16. How to Watch a Movie As a Family

17. How to Cultivate a Love of Meaningful Poetry with Your Children, and Why Doing So Is Important

18. How to Prepare Your Children to Listen to a Symphony

19. How to Take a Road Trip with Your Family

20. How to Select the Best Locations for Family Vacations

God, Government and the Gospel

2011-02-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

If you ever want to start an argument just talk about religion or politics and if you want an even bigger argument speak about both together. Sadly, many professing believers today seek to not commingle the two subjects. Yes they may speak of faith and speak of politics but quite often they do not speak of them as they relate to each other. Of course they may do so when it seems profitable to do so but even then often the attempt is muted. This is even true of many prominent church leaders many of which simply feel the churches lone calling is to proclaim the gospel, as they see the gospel, and that the church should avoid politics. Again, there are times the church will appeal to the Bible on such subjects as abortion and homosexuality but honestly this does not often come across as consistent.

Some in the “professing” church take the stance that many in the secular world take by speaking of maintaining a “wall of separation” as Jefferson spoke of between the church and state. Even though most take Jefferson’s intentions incorrectly and misuse his statements there is a biblical perspective where the state is not to have jurisdiction over the church. However, we as the church must never agree to separation of God from government since God does not see such a separation. Romans 13 is clear that God has a plan for government and that plan does not speak of His people being blindly subservient to the government or to be absent from its function. God’s plan is not what we see so regularly instituted today with government seeking to be God but is a plan where those in government are seen as God’s ministers of justice; justice as defined by God. Thus God desires His people to be involved in the working of the government that He allows to exist.

But how does the gospel enter into the conversation since many think that the church should be about spreading the gospel instead of involving itself in the affairs of state? I think the issue is not whether the purpose of the church is the spreading of the gospel but what is the gospel. The church in many ways has greatly minimized the gospel to being only about salvation from Hell, about escape from eternal punishment. The gospel is indeed good news and that includes much more than is so often put forth by today’s church, that of being saved from Hell. The gospel is about all that God puts forth in His word for His glory and for the good of His people. Seeking a government that functions by God’s all sufficient word would truly be good news. Lest it is misunderstood a Godly government will not save a people but can be used by God to lead men to the cross. This is not about works salvation but above all about glorifying God.

There is an intimate link between God, government and the gospel. A link that sadly is all too often truncated by the church. A truncation that seeks to remove God from government and thus allows government to be left to man and his own reasoning. If the church does not seek to impact government with the truth who can? We are the only ones with the truth since the world can only rely on its own, ever changing, ideals. We need to deliver the whole counsel of scripture so as to have government be the good news God intends it to be. God’s word contains all that is required of and for government to be a government that glorifies God. We need to be the ones that proclaim the good news for all of life that God’s word contains and that again pertains to not some of life but all of life, which includes government. Government will save no one only God can do that but again that does not preclude our part in delivering God’s word in government. Again, if we as the church do not proclaim the truth, all of it, who will. So let us not create a disconnect in life between God, government and the gospel but seek to align all that we do to His infallible and all sufficient word and thus work to give Him all the glory in every area of life. Not for salvation but because of it.

2 Great Resources on Sale Until Feb 18th

2011-02-14T17:02:00.000-08:00

With the Coupon code - FAMILYWORKS - you save 40% on the How to Build a Business for God's Glory training series. This is a great deal as it is regularily $134 and is now $79. Offer ends February 18th.

Also the Gospel Missions Collection is on sale until February 18th.

The Sufficiency of Scripture, ALL of Scripture

2011-02-02T20:43:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many preach that they hold to sola scripture then in essence throw out over half the scriptures. They may give lip service to the OT but do not seek to apply those laws proclaimed in its pages. Often one hears that since we are in the New Covenant we are to only do as Christ proclaims in the New Testament. Well, if one is Trinitarian one needs to be careful about that mindset since Christ is God and thus the author of the OT as well as NT. Many by their actions or in some cases inaction are effectively Marcionites as he too discarded the OT. But if one does not seek to live by “all” of scripture and seeks only the NT for guidance for how to live one discounts Jesus teachings as well. In Mat 5:17, a much misused verse to say that the law is no longer applicable, Jesus proclaims He did not come to abolish the law and then in V18-19, seemingly to answer those who would misuse His words, He adds that “until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

I also wonder how many pastors who are paid for their work, certainly a biblical principle, rely on verses such as 1 Tim 5:17-18 for their wages. But this verse is using the OT ( Deut 25:4 ) as a proof that elders can be compensated. Obviously Paul saw that a correct use of the OT law was applicable to the NT believer.

How often do people use 2 Tim 3:16-17 to speak of the inspiration of scripture and then in effect discard the OT law. This passage in context speaks to the OT and while it obviously applies to the NT as well the original audience would have heard that the OT “was breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” If we are to follow the words of God, through Paul, we are then to use the OT law as it was intended.

In saying this there is work to be done to understand the principles of the OT law as we do not blindly and woodenly follow them and go and build a parapet on our roof (Deut 22:8). I am also not saying that the ceremonial law is still in effect as it has been fulfilled by Christ who it pointed to. I would also say that while most tend to see the other laws as either moral or civil, in truth they are both moral as the civil laws are an outworking of the ten commandments, the moral law. So I would say we are still left with the moral law as seen in the 10 commandments and the civil codes. Of course we are to discern the biblical principles so as to apply them to all of life. An example is the parapet law found in Deut 22:8 where the principle is a call to responsibility for ones property and not necessarily for building a railing on ones roof, that is unless one has a roof people meet on. Some laws may be easier to discern then others but in the end that does not negate our call to follow them as worship of God.

I realize that for some to hear that we are to follow all of God’s laws, both OT and NT, is legalism. I would say that if one does not seek to follow God’s plan for all of life as seen in “ALL” of His word then you are left with devising your own laws and that is truly legalism. Keep in mind that Jesus did not need to repeat all the OT commands in the NT as they are assumed as valid unless He explicitly negates them, as with the ceremonial laws. Even in Mat 22:36-40 Jesus affirms the OT law as when He is asked about the greatest commandment He does not pick one but summarizes them into those that deal with our relationship with God (Commandments 1-4) and our relationship with man (Commandments 5-10) and in V40 makes sure we do not miss the connection with the OT by reminding us that these two undergird the OT law.

We as a people of God that proclaim to believe in the inerrancy of scripture and the sufficiency of scripture need to live as such. We need to seek to truly live as if God’s word is sufficient and if one does not use the OT and only seeks out the NT for guidance then scripture will not be sufficient. We need all of His word for it to be sufficient and we need to regain this understanding of scripture as sufficient for all of life.

A Stance of Advance not Retreat

2011-01-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

I was listening to a talk by Dr. Joe Morecraft from the Love the Church Conference where he mentioned Matt 16:18 where Peter is told that “the gates of hell shall not prevail” against God’s church. This is one of those verses that I think the defeatist mentality of many of the church today, often created by faulty eschatology, has influenced how it is interpreted. I say this as I have been there and seen this verse incorrectly for far too long.

What do gates speak of but a stationary edifice, an immovable object? So often this verse is seen from a defensive position in that it is interpreted that Satan’s attacks will not prevail. While that is true the picture this paints is of the church being holed up in the fortress and trying to hold back Satan at the gates. But gates do not attack they protect and in ancient times would be a line of defense in a fortress and often a weakness as they were a means of entry. The picture we should see is more rightly that the church which is to advance Christ’s Kingdom will not fail to do so no matter the attempt of Satan protecting its doomed fortress. In truth the fortress of Satan was already defeated at the cross and will come to final defeat at Christ’s return.

We are to gain confidence in our advance of Christ’s Kingdom in the here in now as the Apostles were to gain hope. We are to truly see the church as victorious and not as some blip on an historical timeline as many paint it. The church, the bride of Christ, is to be on the offensive and not simply sitting back waiting for His return. Let us be the one that storms the gates knowing they will not prevail, that they cannot hold up. Let us not cower in a corner waiting for help when it is here with us to empower us to advance and not retreat. Let us seek to live out Matt 6:10 and not only cry out that “His Kingdom come and His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” But let us be used by God’s as His means for doing so. Let us not only speak as if we have hope but live as if we have the hope Christ left in such verses as Matt 16:18.

We are called to be a set apart people of God, let us be so. The gates of hell will not prevail because God has already in effect torn them down. Let us not fear a defeated foe but advance to further Christ’s work in this world He has placed us in. A world that is His already. A world that we are to work to glorify Him in. Retreat does not speak well of our taking God’s word seriously so let us do so and ADVANCE His Kingdom.

Repentance

2011-01-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

As I have been studying the Book of Habakkuk it is clear that the message that Habakkuk offers is different than other prophets. His message is of an impending action by the Chaldeans due to Judah’s disobedience but unlike others there is no call for repentance so that the exile would not come. No, this siege by the Chaldeans is assured and will come in Habakkuk’s time regardless of the actions of Judah.

However we know from reading Habakkuk that he sought God’s working to bring repentance to His people of Judah. Thus, there is a call for change and a call for the people to follow God even with the impending gloom of being besieged ahead. There is not offered up a reward for repentance, not a tangible one that is, but instead simply a call to show that God disciplines His people and desires them to repent and follow His ways.

This made me think about how often we, and I have been guilty of this, speak of a reward type scenario when we speak of repentance. We say such things as “Turn or Burn”, or some such statement, implying that the true reward of repentance is not going to hell and thus an avoidance of eternal pain. This is indeed true but it may give a wrong impression and often may even lead to a false Gospel that is focused on man and not God. When we tie repentance to some tangible benefit as in a sales pitch we have played into the humanistic manipulative methods of the market place. We have said if you do this God will do this.

We should realize that if God has truly changed ones heart simply being shown their sin in light of God’s softening their heart will bring repentance. A repentance that flows from seeing ones gross and detestable sinful self in front of a holy and just God. Thus if trials and persecution continue repentance will not be hindered because it was not for the “good life” one repented . Instead, it was because God had changed ones heart to truly see their sin as God does such that repentance was all one could do no matter what follows.

This then makes heaven not about us but about God and being before Him to worship Him for eternity. Let us make sure our evangelism is grounded in glorifying God and not lifting up man. We need to trust God to be the one that changes hearts and not our evangelical sales techniques. God has promised to change hearts ( Jer 31:31-34) let us preach as if He truly does.

By the way here is a link to the sermon series on Habakkuk: Habakkuk Series

Around the Web and Blogosphere (1/10/11)

2011-01-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Public Schools: Tool of the Totalitarian, anti-Christian State: This is an excerpt from Steve Halbrook’s upcoming book (lord willing), God is Just: A Defense of the Old Testament Civil Laws: Biblical Theocracy, Justice, and Slavery versus Humanistic Theocracy, "Justice," and Slavery by Steve C. Halbrook. Copyright © 2010 by Steve C. Halbrook. Based on the master's thesis, God is Just: A Defense of the Old Testament Civil Laws.

Check out my wife and daughter’s blog, Practical Simplicity – For His Glory, as they are having a few “Giveaways” during the month of January to celebrate the 2nd year of business for their online store: Practical Simplicity.

A reminder to check out “What They Said” which is a daily (Monday –Friday) quote blog my daughter (Antoinette) and I maintain. The purpose of the blog is to share quotations of many Reformers and Revolutionaries of the past so that you may be convicted, inspired and uplifted as you read what others have said.

This in an article by Albert Mohler that deals with the issue of retirement, a concept as practiced today that is not found in scripture: For the Sake of the Kingdom: Redefining Retirement

Around the Web and Blogosphere (12/27/10)

2010-12-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

A new blog that looks at the war between the states 150 years later: Civil War 150th Anniversary

Via Doug Philips Blog:

Into the Amazon: The Most Feared Beverage in the Amazon from Douglas Phillips on Vimeo.

From Theonomy Resources: The Codes of Moses and Hammurabi Compared (Free Download). There is also a good article entitled: Refuting anti-Theonomy Straw Men: Part 1: Separation of Church and State.

Tuesday Evening Family Discipleship in Sound Doctrine – Early Registration discount ends January 1st. “This webinar series, running from February 1st through March 22nd and October 4th through November 22nd, will cover every section of the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689”

Vision Forum Year-End Sale

2010-12-27T09:41:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on the Love the Church Conference

2010-12-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a week since the conference ended and we have been home for 3 days and I thought it was time to jot down some thoughts on the conference.

In many ways this has been a long two weeks since we drove 2400+ miles to the conference and the same distance home. Combined with the three days of the conference it has a been a very busy 2 weeks. It may be this busyness that has us all sick now. But it has in all been a good two weeks.

The conference started Thursday with a Leaders Luncheon in which many of the speakers shared a little and we also had time to fellowship with others we had not seen for some time. After last year this has a been a good way to start the conference and to get a feel for the direction that many of the speakers were thinking. The conference officially started with Scott Brown Speaking on Christ’s Love for the Church. He spoke of many of the ways Christ loves the church and that we are not to take the church lightly. Doug Philips then spoke on The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail. In this talk he went through history to show God’s preservation oh His church. He also listed what he termed “5 Hell Gate Battles”:

1) Battle for Fundamental Orthodoxy
2) Battle over Syncretism
3) Battle Over Lawful Jurisdictions
4) Battle for the Preservation of the Word
5) Battle for Who is the Lord of this World

The first night ended with a talk by Joel Beeke entitled Cherishing the Church. I had not heard Mr. Beeke speak before and he was very good. You could tell from his talk that he truly did cherish the church.

On Friday the day started with a talk by Andy Davis called The Church Described, Portrayed and Illustrated. He spoke of the many Metaphors of the church listed in scripture. From National Metaphors to Religious Metaphors and then Family Metaphors. He finished up in one of the breakout sessions by looking at four other metaphors: Biological, Architectural, Possession and finally Display Metaphors. The second speaker in the morning session was Paul Washer who spoke on the Nature of Conversion. He was as convicting as ever and it is always good to hear him speaks as he makes no assumptions about peoples spiritual state and thus makes sure that everyone hears the gospel.

After the morning session there were three breakout sessions times where one could chose a number of speakers and topics. I went and heard Dan Horn speak on The Lord’s Table for the first session. After lunch and during the second breakout seasons was when I gave my first talk at a conference and it was on Church Planting and its Purpose. This was to be the first part of a three part series that I did with two other men on Church Planting. For the last breakout session of the day I sat in on Jason Dohm speaking on Church Planting and its Practice as this was Part 2 of our series. I need to go back through the MP3s of the conference to listen to the other talks as it is the only way one can hear them all, and they are all worthy of listening to.

After dinner on Friday the evening began with a talk by Jeff Pollard on the Union with Christ. Mr. Pollard spoke of how in the past this was a popular topic but was now spoken of far to little of late. His talk spoke of the Definition of Union W/Christ, the Nature of the Union W/Christ and lastly the Importance of Union W/ Christ. The next speaker was Scott Brown who spoke on Paganism in the Church. In this Mr. Brown dealt with pagan influences that have entered the church most often through, as Doug Phillips had spoken of, syncretism. He also mentioned that one of the protective principles we have to combat these pagan influences is the principle of “Sola Scriptura.” Within the talk were also given a number of historical and contemporary examples of pagan influences. The last speaker of the night was Paul Washer who spoke on The Tests of Conversion and was as good as ever. He did a great job of speaking on 1st John and how it is the content of ones life n looks at and not just some isolated instances. In this was the call to self examination that we all need to partake in. Thus ended a great day of teaching.

The last day of the conference, Saturday, began with a final set of breakout sessions. I sat in on Steve Breagy’s talk on the Pitfalls of Church Planting as part 3 of the Church Planting series. Once again I will have to listen to the other talks later. The breakout session was followed by Joel Beeke speaking on The Family at Church. Due to a long conversation after the breakout session I was not able to hear this talk but only heard the last few minutes but have been assured it was very good. The next talk was by Doug Phillips and it was concerning Answering Critics of the Family Integrated Movement. He dealt with many of the arguments that have come forth with regards to the FIC. In this he did agree that at times the arguments may have been valid and were taken note of. However, far too often the criticisms have been more hearsay and anecdotal. Thus Mr. Phillips offered a challenge for an academic and well researched and footnoted critique of the FIC.

The last session of the conference was a Question and Answer period and then Scott Brown closed with a talk: Love the Church. Mr. Brown of among other things that the Love of the Church is not simply a love for some nebulous thing but is love of something tangible. Also he spoke of be devoted to praying for the church practicing hospitality and applying what is taught. This was a good wrap up of al that had come before in the previous three days. Thus ended a great conference.

I highly recommend the audio recordings of this conference as they would be greatly beneficial to all. You can buy the audio here: Love the Church Audio.

Here are links to other reviews of the conference:

NCFIC Blog
EventBloggers.com

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 10

2010-11-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

After looking at the following:

I) That there are 3 persons (Part 5 & 6)
II) They are all called God (Part 7 & 8)
III) There is One God (Part 9)

We now come to the Fourth proposition:

IV) They must all be God

The natural conclusion, regardless of its difficulty to understand/comprehend, is that the doctrine of the Trinity must be true. There are also verses when seen together that show the Trinity such as:

o Acts 3:26 & 1 Thes 1:9-10 - Father Raised the Son
o Jn 2:19-21 Jesus says He raised Himself
o Rom 8:11 - HS raised Jesus
o Acts 17:31 - God raised Christ

It is not the obviousness of the Trinity that sends people off in search of a different answer it is, in my opinion, our arrogance as finite beings in thinking we must all be able to comprehend all that God does and says. We must understand that God has communicated His attributes in a manner that can be clearly seen in scripture and as His people we need to recognize that and believe the word of God. Not because we have it all figured out but because it is just that, the word of God.

Of course for the unbelieving world who are blinded by sin and dead they will not see this but that is not an excuse for professing believers. The doctrine of the Trinity is a litmus test for fellowship between believers. Mind you I said between those that profess Christ, not to become a believer. As was stated early on the issue is with those that simply and forthrightly deny the doctrine of the Trinity. One who denies the Trinity is not a child of God since the “g”od they would claim to worship is not the same one true believers worship, as defined by His word. Again, I would differentiate between one who is struggling to learn and see the truth of the Trinity and one that denies it and especially one that teaches against it

The following is a chart that lists some of the verse already given and what they speak to:

Conclusion

Once we see that the Trinity is true we need to understand how it functions as this seems to be where we may claim the truth of the doctrine of the Trinity but then misrepresent it’s working.

There are distinctions between the three persons of the Trinity. There is an ordering of activities of the Trinity that is sometimes referred to as the “economy of the Trinity”. Whcih refers to the differing ways, or activities , of the three persons of the Trinity

Such as:
o It was God the Father who spoke the creative words to bring the universe into being

o It was God the Son who carried out the creative decrees (John 1:3)

“All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

o The Holy Spirit was active in a different way as He was seen as “hovering” or “moving” over the face of the waters in Gen 1:2

“The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”

It needs to be remembered that because the three persons have differing activities this does not take away from their equality. An issue mankind has a penchant for as we so often equate ones job or activity with worth or equality.

In the act of redemption there were differing acts as well:

o God the Father planned the redemption and sent the Son (John 3:16; Gal 4:4; Eph 1:9-10)

“"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” ~ John 3:16

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,” ~ Gal 4:4

“ making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” ~ Eph 1:9-10

o The Son obeyed and accomplished the redemption for us (John 6:38; Heb 10:5-7)

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” ~ John 6:38

“Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, "Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, 'Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'” ~ Heb 10:5-7

o The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to guide and to bring about regeneration or new spiritual life (John 14:26; John 3:5-8)

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” ~ John 14:26

“Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." ~ Jn 3:5-8

These differing roles last for eternity (1 Cor 15:28) but the three are still coequal for eternity in being

“When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

Thus they are equal in being but subordinate in role. Again, existing in eternity past (Eph 1:3-4) as an example of the relationship between the Father and Son in the past.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love”

So why does this all matter

1) It affects or worship

Keep in mind that worship is not simply what we do one day a week but what we are to do with all our being, in all that we do (1 Cor 10:31)

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Also, we are called to worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."”

To worship other than the true God is to worship a false God and thus not to truly worship at all. Thus, ones view of the Trinity will affect not only how we worship but who we worship and who we worship with. How we view God also affects our worship since it affects how we decide to interpret scripture, by our understanding/comprehension or by God’s revelation. When truth is lost so is true worship

2) It affects our understanding and proclamation of the Gospel

The Gospel is how God saves men through Christ unto Himself. Change your view of God and you do not have the same Gospel, you do not have the Gospel at all. You will not have a biblical Christ that can save. The God that provides a savior is the triune God of scripture. To define God any other way is to have no God.

3) It affects the rest of our doctrine

To deny the Trinity leads to denying other core beliefs because if one is willing to deny what is clearly taught because it does not make sense it will make it that much easier to change any other doctrine that seems difficult.

We need to be sure that we understand the importance of the Trinity, the cults do. That is why they see it as so important to combat it. Even to the point that the Mormons’ have co-opted the terms. You can speak to Mormon today and they will say they hold to the Trinity, at least those I have talked to have spoken this way. However words have meaning and theirs are unbiblical. One does not need to know how they define God as much as we need to know how we do so.

One proof that the Doctrine of the Trinity is taken lightly today is that people would even have a serious conversation as to whether the Mormon’s are our bother in Christ or not. If you were to ask most professing believers on the street they would not deny them being called Christians. Thus showing not only their lack of understanding of Mormonism but also of the Trinity.

What we believe about God goes farther than Him being the ultimate being but goes into all that He has revealed through His word. To simply seek for unity around “Christ” without defining Christ is folly. Understanding/apprehending the Trinity from a biblical perspective is part of knowing God and thus Christ. One does not need to understand the Trinity to be redeemed but one that is redeemed will not deny the God that saves and thus will not deny the Trinity.

Let us worship God in all we do and that includes in our understanding of Him.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Vision Forum Sale - Buy 2 Get 1 Free

2010-11-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Until midnight on Saturday, November 27 (CST), mix and match any two items* at Vision Foum and receive a third item of your choice absolutely free!* Your free product can be any item* that is equal to, or less than, the lowest price of your two purchased products.

There is no limit to the number of free items you can receive during this mix-and-match sale — every third item is free!*

This offer is good only for orders placed online and cannot be applied retroactively to previous orders. Free items must be in-stock items. This special buying opportunity expires at midnight on November 27, 2010 (CST), is redeemable only online, and my not be applied to previous orders.

*“Buy 2, Get 1 Free” special offer does not apply to iPods or the 70-Volume Henty Library. The free product will be equal to, or less than, the lowest price of the two purchased products. If a customer qualifies for multiple free products because his order includes at least six items (i.e. “Buy 2, Get 1 Free” x 2), the shopping cart will be reorganized so that the items are listed from highest price to lowest price. Every third item in the shopping cart, from top to bottom, will be marked “free.” This offer will be applied to each increment of 3 products: 3, 6, 9, 12 products, etc. There is no limit!

Around the Web and Blogosphere (11/19/10)

2010-11-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

Some links relating to a much maligned and very misunderstood topic: Theonomy.

"There is no alternative but that of theonomy and autonomy" – Dr. Van Til

The Great Theonomic Reformation from Theonomy Resources:

Article by Greg Bahnsen: What is "Theonomy"?

Jay Rogers article: What is Theonomy?

Good DVD that speaks on God’s Law: God's law and Society

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 9

2010-11-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

After seeing that there are three person spoken of in scripture that area all called God we now look at the core of a monotheistic belief, that there is only one God.

Even among most groups that deny the Trinity there is little disagreement that there is but only one God. The concept of Monotheism is what drives many who do not understand the Trinity to try and devise their own schemes to reconcile the concept of Monotheism by reasoning away the Trinitarian view of God. Often it is a basic misunderstanding of what the Trinity truly is that leads people to deny it and once it is denied they, due to human pride often, do not want to accept the truth.

The following are examples of verses that speak to the scriptures proclaiming there is only on God:

1) Probably the most used and relevant passage with regards to the concept of one God is the Hebrew Shema ~ Deut 6:4-5

“"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

2) Solomon in 1 Kings 8:60 reiterates the idea:

“that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.”

3) Isaiah speaks to this so that there is no confusion as to there being only one God in Is 45:5-6

"I am the Lord, and there is no other,
besides me there is no God;
I equip you, though you do not know me,
that people may know, from the rising of the sun
and from the west, that there is none besides me;
I am the Lord, and there is no other."

4) Paul speaking on Mars Hill in Acts 17:22-31 speaks to the statue of the unknown God as being the one and only true God. Not that the statue itself was God but that the unknown God, the God they admit they did not know. was the only true God. So Paul was making sure they understood that all they worshipped were indeed not god’s as there was only one God and it was the God they did not know.

5) Paul in 1 Cor 8:4-6 speaks to there only being one God even when all around them much is spoken of there being other gods.

“Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one." For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth—as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"— yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”

6) Other places in the NT that refer to there being only one God are: 1 Tim 2:5; Rom 3:30; James 2:19.

“ there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” ~ 1 Tim 2:5

“since God is one--who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.” ~ Rom 3:30

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe--and shudder!” ~ James 2:19

We should see that there should be little argument that scripture speaks to there being only one God which when seen with all we have already looked speaks loudly that all three persons: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit must all be God.

We will look at this last part in the next installment.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Bill Einwechter’s Response to Andreas Kostenberger’s – Part 2

2010-10-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Here is part 2 of Bill Einwechter’s response to Andreas Kostenbereger: A Review of and a Response to Andreas Kostenberger’s Critique of the Family –Integrated Approach to Church Ministry: Part 2. If you missed it here is Part 1.

Response to Andreas Kostenberger’s Critique of the FIC

2010-10-18T07:55:00.000-07:00

For those that followed Justin Taylors blog and a post dealing with Andreas Kostenberger’s updated book God, Marriage and Family including his critique of the Family-Integrated Approach to Church Ministry Scott Brown has posted a response on the NCFIC blog: Blogger Responses to Dr. Andreas Kostenberger's Chapter on FIC. Also, here is a link to another response to the critique done by Bill Einwechter: A Review of and a Response to Andrea Kostenberger’s Critique of the Family -Integrated Approach to Church Ministry: Part 1

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 8

2010-10-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

After looking at The Father as God and The Holy Spirit as God we now look at what may be the most controversial of the three and that is The Son, Jesus Christ, as God. As you will see the biblical evidence for the divinity of Christ is abundant.

There are a number of things to look at with regards to Christ’s divinity. We will see in the verses to follow Jesus as God both by His proclamation and that of others and we will see attributes that are God’s being attributed to Jesus

1) Jn 8:58-59 - The “I Am” verse from LXX of Exodus where Jesus uses a statement that refers to Himself as God did in Exodus 3:11-16. Can see the furor it caused in those that heard

Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

2) Jn10:30-33 - Shows people believed Jesus believed what he said

I and the Father are one." The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?" The Jews answered him, "It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God."

- Jesus was either: Hallucinating, was deceived, was deluded, was insane, or He was God

3) Matt 9:2-3 – Jesus forgives sins, of which only God can and in V3 the scribes claim he is blaspheming showing how they viewed His claim.

And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This man is blaspheming."

- Mark 2:5-7 is a parallel passage and in V7 we see the reference to God alone forgiving sin

“And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, "Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"”

4) Luke 7:48-49 - We see Jesus again forgiving sin and the response of the people.

“And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?"

5) Matt 23:34 – Jesus refers to his sending of “prophets and wise men and scribes.” The sending of prophets is not an act of man but of God.

“Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town,”

6) Mark 10:18 – Jesus in saying no one is good but God is not saying He is not good but is claiming to be God.

“And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.”

7) Revelation 1:7-8 and 22:11-13 speak of one coming who is the first and last, Alpha and Omega.

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen. "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."” ~ Rev 1:7-8

“Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy." "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."” ~ Rev 22:11-13

a. In V7 it speaks of one who was pierced, Jesus, and refers to Him as Lord God as well as being the First and Last.

b. In Rev 22:11-13 it speaks of coming quickly and being the first and last but if we look down to V20 we see the reference to this person being Jesus

“He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” ~ Rev 22:20

c. All of this needs to be seen in light of verses such as: Isaiah 44:6 which speak of God as “the first and last as well as in Isaiah 48:12

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.” ~ Is 44:6

“"Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am he; I am the first, and I am the last” ~ Is 48:12

d. If that is not enough, Jesus refers to Himself as the first and last in Rev 1:12-18

“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, "Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”

8) Another section of scripture where Jesus is shown as God is in Heb 1:1-10 and the corresponding verses from Psalms 102:25 which show that the reference is to Jesus being God.
- In Heb 1:6 it says that all angels are to worship Jesus

- However in Luke 4:8 Jesus tells the devil that one is only to worship God

- And in Heb 1:5-8 the Father calls the Son God

9) On Jesus’ appearance to Thomas in John 20:28 Thomas referred to Jesus as follows and was not rebuked by Jesus for it:

“Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!"”

10) In Matt 21:14-16 the people speak of Christ as the “Son of David” and Jesus does not question it when asked about it by the Chief priests and scribes in V16

“And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant, and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes; have you never read, "'Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise'?"”

11) All of this does not even touch on the most obvious verses which are John 1:1-5

“ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

- While Jehovah’s Witnesses will say the verse reads “a” God the correct translation is “G”od, with a capital “G”

- The Jehovah Witness translation of the bible (New World translation) is a mistranslation and not consistent even with other translations of verses within its own bible that have the same grammatical configurations such as: Matt 5:9; John 1:6; John 1:18

- The rule that allows for the “G” in God to be capital without the definite article being directly attached is called the “Colwell Rule.” This is a standard rule of translation that allows for translating a word as if the definite article was present as in John 1:1.

- Thus there does not have to be a definite article to be able to use one, context and structure decide the translation.

12) We can also see from other passages Christ’s deity

- Paul in Titus 2:13 refers to Jesus as “our great God and Savior Jesus Christ”

“waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”

- John uses an OT reference in Matt 3:3 referring to his preparing the way for Jesus but is quoting Is 40:3 which is referring to the Lord Yahweh

“For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'"” ~ Matt 3:3

“A voice cries: "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” ~ Is 40:3

- Jesus in Matt 22:44 speaks in a way about Psalms 110:1 that leads the Pharisees to understand Jesus claming to be the Lord God.

"'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet'?” ~ Matt 22:44

“A Psalm of David. The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool."” ~ Psalm 110:1

- Jesus’ claims to being the “son of man” as a reference to deity is seen as such by the council in Matt 26:64-66

“Jesus said to him, "You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his robes and said, "He has uttered blasphemy. What further witnesses do we need? You have now heard his blasphemy. What is your judgment?" They answered, "He deserves death."”

Other evidence that Jesus possessed attributes of Deity

Jesus showed His omnipotence in calming the seas in Matt 8:26-27
o As well as multiplying the loaves and fish in Matt 14:19
o Also in making water into wine in John 2:1-11

Jesus’ omniscience is shown in such passages as MK 2:8; Jn 1:48 & 6:64 & 16:30

“And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you question these things in your hearts?” ~ Mk 2:8

“Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."” ~ Jn 1:48

“But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)” ~ Jn 6:64

“Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God."” ~ Jn 16:30

Paul in Phil 2:9-11 speaks to the worship of Christ as only God deserves

"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every toungue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

From all of the above we can see clearly from scripture that Jesus Christ is God.

In the next part of this study on the Trinity we will look a there being only one God.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Soldiering Through History DVD Set

2010-10-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Soldiering Through History: WorldWar II & War Between the States

"In Soldiering Through History: World War II, Sgt. Sam and Cpl. Joe lead their squad of brothers on an action-packed mission to learn about what it was like to be an American soldier in World War II! The brothers take to the field again in Soldiering Through History: War Between the States to explore the experiences of confederate and federal soldiers in the central event of American history!"

You can order the set for $30 from Vision Forum

See Trailers Below:

War Between the States

World War II

Vision Forum Clearance Sale - Thru Oct 13th

2010-10-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

Vision Forum Clearance Sale - Thru Oct 13th.

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 7

2010-10-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

A further reminder of where we are going:
I) That there are 3 persons – Part5 and Part 6
II) They are all called God
III) There is One God (Monotheism)
IV) Thus they must all be God (Trinity)

So next we look at all the persons of the Trinity persons being called God. In this part of the series we will look at the Father and the Holy Spirit and in the next the Son, Jesus Christ.

First, The Father as God
The entire panoply of scripture speaks to the Father being God and this is not really disputed

1) Ps 89:26
“He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.'”

2) Is 64:8
“But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”

3) Rom 15:5-6
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”

4) 1 Cor 8:6
“yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.”

5) Gal 1:3-4
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,”

6) Eph 4:5-6
“one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

7) Phil 4:20
“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

8) 2 Peter 1:17
“For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,"”

Since the use of Lord and God are used of the Father and there is little argument that the Father is God then there is not much to be done here. However we do need to ourselves realize there is a distinction between the Person of the Father and the Nature we refer to as God. This is why we refer to the Father as “Father God”. This is where often we as Trinitarians cause our own problems in that when speaking of the nature of God we refer to the person of the Father and thus confuse the issue. The Father is distinct from the Son and Spirit but all contain the essence of God

While normally I would provide the texts that deal with Jesus Christ as God next due the large number of verses dealing with the deity of Christ I will give them in their own post in Part 8.

Next is the Holy Spirit as God

1) Verses such as Matt 28:19 speaks of the Holy Spirit on the same terms as the Father and Son so that when we see that the Father and Son are God then that would imply the same for the Holy Spirit

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

2) Remember that we are talking about equality of being which does not stop the three from having different roles and being subordinate to each other but only in responsibility not being. This is important as all too often people conflate equality & position which leads to error

3) Acts 5:3-4 equates the Holy Spirit to God

“But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."

4) In Psalms 139:7-8 the divine attribute of omnipresence is attributed to the Holy Spirit

“Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”

5) In 1 Cor 2:10-11 Paul attributes the characteristic of omniscience to the Holy Spirit

“these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”

6) Romans 15:19 speaks to the omnipotence (all powerfulness) of the Spirit

“by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God--so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ;”

7) Hebrews 9:14 speaks to the eternality of the Spirit

“ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God”.

While there may be other passages that equally show the deity of the Father and the Holy Spirit these should suffice to make the point clear that the Father and the Sprit in scripture are God.

Next we will look at The Son Jesus Christ as God in Part 8.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Gianna Jessen: Abortion Survivor

2010-10-01T06:12:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen this video you should watch it. This video shows the testimony of a Christian women whose birth mother attempted a saline abortion that failed. This video was taken in Australia before members of Parliament the night before the debate over decriminalizing abortion in Victoria. Also make sure to listen for her great call to men to men at about 12:15 in the video.

Gianna Jessen, Abortion Survivor from ѓакон Тони on Vimeo.

Poll: From Where Should Laws be Derived?

2010-09-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

From Where Should Laws be Derived?customer surveys

Kit and Kaboodle CD Library Sale at Vision Forum

2010-09-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

A great sale on the Kit and Kaboodle CD Library.
Covering topics such as :

• Marriage preparation

• Godly manhood and womanhood

• Biblical child-training

• Preventing bitterness

• Family discipleship

• Giving hope to your sons and daughters

• Successful homeschooling

• Fulfilling marriages

• Much, much more!

Sale ends Septemebr 25th 2010.

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 6

2010-09-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the Holy Spirit often one issue is in seeing the Holy Spirit as a person. The issue I think is that our definition of “person” is such that to be a person one needs a corporeal body, a body that one can touch and feel. However this is not necessarily true since it is certain aspects, or attributes, that make someone a person. For example a corpse is a body that you could touch and feel, if you wanted to, but one does not usually see a corpse as a person.

The primary attributes that make up a person are: mind, emotion and will. With regards to emotions some hold that God is “impassible”, has no emotions. Personally I find it hard to simply take the vast number of passages that speak of God and emotions and set them aside as anthropomorphisms. I think the desire to call God “impassible” in part comes from seeing where our emotions come from and lead to as humans. Our emotions are driven by our nature but it is not pure so our emotions are an issue. But, I find no issue in saying God has perfect emotions since His emotions are driven by His perfect nature.

So what makes the Holy Spirit a person?

Again, the primary attributes that make up a person are: mind, emotion and will so we will look at some verses that speak to these in relation to the Holy Spirit along with others that show the personhood of the Spirit.

1) 1 Cor 2:10 shows intellect (mind)

“these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.”

2) Romans 8:27 speaks of the mind of the spirit

“And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

3) Eph 4:30 speaks to the emotions of the Holy Spirit

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

4) 1 Cor 12:11 speaks to the will of the Spirit

“All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

5) As mentioned in the above the Holy Spirit has a relationship with others

6) John 15:26 speaks to the Spirit bearing witness of Christ and the word used is also used to describe the disciples’ testifying about Christ in John 15:27.

"But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

7) This concept of bearing witness is also seen in Rom 8:16

“The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,”

8) In John 14:26; 15:26 (see above) & 16:13-14 the masculine pronoun He (ekeinos) is used as it would be for a person. Usually in Greek the word spirit (pneuma) is neuter and not masculine.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you” ~ John 14:26

“ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” ~ John 16:13-14

9) In Acts 5 we have the story of Ananias and Sapphira that shows how they lied to the Holy Spirit and you usually do not lie to an impersonal force.

But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land?” ~ Acts 5:3

“But Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."” ~ Acts 5:9

10) Rom 8:26 – Shows the Holy Spirit interceding on a personal basis

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

11) As already seen; personal activities and actions are attributed to the Holy Spirit as in 1 Cor 2:10-11; Acts 16:6-7; and even as speaking as in Acts 8:29; 13:1-2

“these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” ~ 1 Cor 2:10-11

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. ~ Acts 16:6-7

“And the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." ~ Acts 8:29

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." “ ~ Acts 13:2

We can see in the verses above that not only is the Holy Spirit evident in scripture the Holy Spirit is also spoken of as a person. Obviously a person that acts and is decidedly different than you or I but still possess the attributes of personhood.

In the next part we will look at whether scripture refers to all three persons as God.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

New VisionForum.com Site

2010-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

Around the Web and Blogosphere (9/15/10)

2010-09-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Gary Demar writes a good article on the economy at the American Vision site: How to Kill an Economy. In speaking to both government spending and individual spending he ends with this: “Resisting government spending is good and necessary. But more important is resisting our own temptation to spend uncontrollably. Only by effectively exercising self-control we will be able to resist Larry Summers, Obama, and the rest of the socialist crowd in high places.”

Devvy Kidd wrote an article posted at the American Covenanter entitled Beck: Restore America's Honor at the memorial of a white supremacist?. If you have been brought up on a constant dose of Abraham Lincoln as a saint, as I was, and as Glenn Beck puts forth be prepared to be shocked but the challenge is not to ignore what is put forth here but to investigate and seek the truth yourself.

The American View has some good comments by Pastor Joe Morecraft III: Godless Conservatism Has Failed; Time For Christians To Act Like Christians, Proclaim Christ’s Lordship Over Politics, Too:

“Godless, “conservative humanism” is “just as devastating to this country as liberal humanism.” He added that “the time is over” for this kind of secular conservatism saying: “It has stopped nothing!”

Emphasizing the importance of “Christianizing Christians,” he said Christians must start acting like Christians first. This, he said would anger liberals and conservatives.

Civil government is created by God. “Government’s power does not come from the people, he said. “It comes from God! And God is the source of political power, too!””

Check out the latest trailer for IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christian in America

Lastly, contemplate donating to the NCFIC as they work on an important documentary film called Segregation “investigating the problems with modern youth ministry and the solution of biblical youth ministry found in the Word of God.”

And the Winner is………

2010-09-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism DVD is….. Jenna Bramlett

Now for more good news. Since there were fewer than expected entries and I got these DVDs to giveaway, becasue I think it is that good, I have decided to give everyone that entered a DVD. So you can contact me by clicking on the “Contact Me” button at the top of the page or (as the contact button has been a little finicky) by using this link, Contact Me , to leave me your address to send the DVD to.

Enjoy.

Grace and Peace,

Tony Konvalin

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 5

2010-09-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

A reminder of where we are going:
I) That there are 3 persons
II) They are all called God
III) There is One God (Monotheism)
IV) Thus they must all be God (Trinity)

I) Proof of Three Persons Existing

The Father
The fact there is a person called the Father in scripture is little disputed. But never the less seeing that there is a person called the Father in scripture is important. Also I might add this is where we as believers often may create our own problems as we often conflate the person of The Father and The Godhead he is part of. By this I mean we often speak of the Father and God such as to in effect create 4 persons. This is why it is important to attempt to when speaking of the Person of the Father refer to Him as God the Father, Father or some such was so as to differentiate the person from the essence that all three persons are part of

Here are just a few versus to look at:

1) Matt 3:16-17 - The baptism of Jesus shows us the Father and even the Father-Son relationship
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."”

2) Matt 28:19-20 - Mentions all three but here we want to see the Father
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

3) John 17:1-3 - Shows the distinctness of the Father and Son as well as the Father being referred to as God
“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

4) In John 17:24 - Jesus speaks to the father thus showing the person of the Father and also the distinctness of the two
“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.”

5) 2 Peter 1:17 - Shows a person called the Father and the Father as God
“For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,"”

6) 1 John 2:1 - Speaks of Christ being the advocate before the Father
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

The Son (Jesus)
It is also little disputed that Jesus existed as most groups denying the Trinity will agree to this as they will agree to the Father existing. By the way there are still a few that will deny Christ existed. Many that deny Christ existence speak to his name not being in extra-biblical literature. First that is not true as in the writings of Josephus, Tacitus and Suetonius we see the existence of Jesus. Second this denial of Jesus being mentioned in historical writings shows that the person speaking does not view the bible as evidence, which it is.

Here are verses speaking of Christ:

1) Mat 1:1 - Speaks of His genealogy
“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

2) Luke 3:23 - Speaks of the beginning of His ministry
“Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,”

3) Acts 1:1 – Luke speaks of his first book (Luke) dealing with all Christ had done and taught
“In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach,”

4) Gal 3:1 – Paul speaks of the Galatians being eye witnesses to Christ
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified”

5) Rev 22:20 – Speaks to Christ and His return
“He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

6) A search of the Name Jesus in the NT in the ESV returns 927 verses

The Holy Spirit
When it comes to the Holy Spirit it is not whether all agree to His existence but more to the nature of the Holy Spirit. It is often hard to conceive of the Holy Spirit as a person thus, even unknowingly we often refer to the Holy Spirit as “It” rather than “He.” Most will agree that the Bible speaks of the existence of the Holy Spirit, again His nature is what is the sticking point for many.
We see the Holy Spirit in:

1) Psalm 51:11
“Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.”

2) Isa 63:10-11 – Speaks of grieving the Holy Spirit and relates it to God
“But they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit; therefore he turned to be their enemy, and himself fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, of Moses and his people. Where is he who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he who put in the midst of them his Holy Spirit,”

3) Matt 1:18-20 – Relates the Holy Spirit to the birth of Christ thus separating them as 2 distinct persons
“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

4) Matt 28:19 – As we saw before the HS is mentioned in the Great Commission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,”

5) John 14:26 - Speaks of the Holy Spirit in a relationship position
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

6) Romans 8:27 - the Holy Spirit is pictured praying for us
“And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

So we see the Holy Spirit does exist but again what is most often the issue is not the Holy Spirits existence but what is the nature of the Holy Spirit and we will look at this in Part 6

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

DVD Giveaway - Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism

2010-08-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

To enter for a free copy of Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism just enter a comment below that you would like to be entered. Entries will close on September 11th at 5PM (PST) and I will choose a winner by Monday September 13th and then arrange getting a mailing address.

This is a great DVD if you have not already seen it. Even if you have a copy enter so you can give one away.

Here is a description of the DVD:

What is Calvinism? Does this teaching make man a robot and God the author of sin? What about free will? If the church accepts Calvinism won't evangelism be stifled, perhaps extinguished? How can we balance God's sovereignty and man's responsibility? What are the differences between historic Calvinism and hyper-Calvinism? Why did men like Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, Whitefield, Edward's and a host of evangelists deny the Arminian definition of free will and label it heresy? Why did the Roman Catholic Church condemn the Reformed teaching of predestination and election and embrace free will theology? And why do so many Protestants, perhaps unwittingly, agree with Rome on this issue?

Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism is the first video documentary that answers these and other related questions. Hosted by Eric Holmberg ( Hell's Bells 1 & 2; The Massacre of Innocence) this fascinating three-part, four-hour presentation is detailed enough so as to not gloss over the controversy. At the same time, it is broken up into ten "Sunday-school-sized" sections so as to make the rich content manageable and accessible for the average viewer.

Part One explores the history of the debate. It begins with the pivotal dispute between Augustine and Pelagius and continues through the semi-pelagian controversy; focusing particularly on the debate between Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus. Many viewers will be shocked to discover that free-will theology was NOT the doctrine of the Reformation but instead the teaching of an increasingly apostate Roman Catholic Church. The history section ends with a definitive historical explanation of the issues that arose during the Calvinist/Arminian controversy. By examining the five points of Arminianism and the Synod of Dort's response, the viewer will clearly see that the Protestant Church understood how the Gospel would be compromised if Arminianism prevailed.

Part Two opens the Word of God, our ultimate authority for life and faith. The five points of Arminianism are put on trial as what would later come to be known as the "five points of Calvinism" are clearly and forcefully presented.

Part Three asks and answers the provocative question: If Calvinism is true, if God is absolutely sovereign; then why should we evangelize? It also explores the vital issue of how to and to whom the gospel should be presented so as to be faithful to the great doctrines of God's sovereignty, man's depravity, and the miracle of amazing grace.

Rich in graphics, dramatic vignettes, and biblical analogies, Amazing Grace - The History and Theology of Calvinism also features many of the finest reformed thinkers and pastors of our time: Dr. R.C. Sproul, Dr. D. James Kennedy, Dr. George Grant, Dr. Stephen Mansfield, Dr. Thomas Ascol, Dr. Thomas Nettles, Dr. Roger Schultz, Pastor Walt Chantry, Dr. Joe Morecraft, Dr. Ken Talbot, Pastor Walter Bowie and Dr. R.C. Sproul, Jr..

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 4

2010-08-26T20:20:00.000-07:00

One of the issues raised as an objection to the Trinity is that the word Trinity does not exist in scripture. Well, neither do we find commonly agreed upon words such as: Divinity, Atheism, or even Rapture. Simply because a term is not found explicitly in scripture does not make the word or the concept it defines unbiblical.

Another common objection is that since God is a God of order (1 Cor 14:33) why would He devise something so confusing. Simply by asking if one thinks that we will necessarily understand all of God and how He works should answer this question (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Cor 13:12).

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ~ Is 55:8-9

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” ~ 1 Cor 13:12

Still others will claim that “Jesus never said He was God” and while those exact words are not found we will see as we go through the scriptures that look at the Trinity that Jesus indeed did claim to be God. When we look at these verses in an upcoming part it will be clear that Christ claimed to be God and those hearing Him speak understood His claims as such.

What I find in most arguments I have heard is that they revolve around the issue of apprehension and comprehension. When the two are conflated, or made equal, then often people try and reformulate doctrines to match what they see as making sense and comprehensible to them. Simply because we do not “get” a doctrine does not make it unscriptural. Because I think that many issues revolve around misunderstanding the difference between apprehending a subject, or in this case doctrine, and comprehending it I would like to touch on the difference. To apprehend something is to see it as so. Thus it is about grasping and seeing the subject in the text. Apprehending a subject is to see that it is there, that it exists in the text. However to comprehend a subject is to understand how it is so, such as how it takes place. As it relates to the Trinity apprehending its truth is to see it is so in the text of scripture while comprehending it is to understand how it takes place. We can apprehend doctrine by carful study but we will not always be able to comprehend a doctrine as God’s ways are not ours (Is 55:8-9).

In this series we will look at the doctrine of the Trinity as it is seen in scripture. This study does not however explain the “How” and that is the issue with most that question the Trinity and or deny it. Again, as we look at the Trinity we are going to look at its existence in scripture and not the manner of God’s accomplishing what the doctrine of the Trinity states. By keeping the foundational pillars (3 divine persons, Equality, Monotheism) in mind and looking at the scriptures methodically we will be able to see, apprehend, the Trinity revealed in them. To do this we will look at 4 areas in the upcoming posts:

I) That there are 3 persons
II) They are all called God
III) There is One God (Monotheism)
IV) Thus they must all be God (Trinity)

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 3

2010-08-19T20:24:00.000-07:00

With regards to the trinity it is important to see the result of denying any of the three pillars of the doctrine, which are:

1) Monotheism: There is only one God
2) There are three Divine persons - All being God
- The three do not make up God
- As a friend of mine shared in relating an analogy from Dr. Moorcroft: God is not like a cake mix. In that God is not made up of 1/3 the Father, 1/3 the Son and 1/3 the Holy Spirit. But He is all three at all time and all are equally divine
3) The three persons are all coequal and coeternal

The diagram below shows in a pretty basic way that if you deny any one of the three pillars mentioned above it will point you to one of three heresies. By drawing an arrow from the doctrine denied you will see the corresponding doctrinal error.

Explanation of above views:

Modalism (or Sabellianism 3rd Century):
One form of Modalism existing today is “Oneness Pentecostalism” which consists today of the United Pentecostals and United Apostolic Church. They may not word things the same historically as Modalist have but would still fit into the Modalist camp by their denial of the coexistence of three “distinct” yet equal persons. Historically Modalism stresses that the three parts of the Trinity are merely three manifestations, or as I have been told in a comment – “simultaneous aspects of the nature of God”. Modalism, again this may not be how all would relate this, has spoken of God as such:

- God is one and He has manifested Himself in the mode of the Father in the OT
- He then manifested Himself in the mode of the Son at the incarnation
- Then on Jesus departure He manifested Himself as the Holy Spirit

Key is that all never exist at the same time and thus do not coexist. Modalists will claim equality but again they will not agree to not coexistence.

Subordinationism (late 2nd to early 3rd Century):
This is a view of the relationship of the Father to the Son which subordinates the Son to the Father in essence and status. This is not denying the Son is subordinate to the father in way of submission, which is biblical as in 1 Cor 15:28:

“When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.”

The issue to the Subordinationist is that Jesus’ nature is different than the Father. They see Christ as eternal, not created, and divine but not equal to the Father. While the Trinitarian view speaks to all three being equal in power and glory

Polytheism:
Polytheism simply says that there are more than one God. This is the claim that anti-Trinitarians often make towards those who hold a Trinitarian view of God.

Some Historical Heresies

Marcionism (144):
Marcionism claims that Christ came at the Baptism and left at the crucifixion and they believed that the wrathful Hebrew God was a separate and lower entity than the all-forgiving God of the New Testament. This is a dualistic view of God that, even if they do not realize it, many professing believers hold today. The Marcionites held that Jesus came to liberate man from the God of the Old Testament.

Arianism (modern day Jehovah’s Witnesses) 4th Century:
Arians deny the deity of Christ and personhood of the Holy Spirit. They see Christ as created being with Jehovah’s Witnesses seeing Christ as Michael the Archangel. As we have already seen this heresy was condemned at the Council of Nicea (325)

Apollinarianism – 4th Century:
This view held that Christ had no human spirit. And that the divine Logos replaced it thus making Christ a “third thing”, a middle being between God and man. Being one part divine (spirit) and two parts (body and soul) human fused into a new nature. Apollonarius was against Arianism but probably fell more into the homoiousians (similar natures) camp. This view was declared a heresy by the First Council of Constantinople in 381 as it denied what is known as the Hypostatic Union: That Jesus is completely man and completely God (John 1:1, 14 & Col 2:9)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jn 1:1

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jn 1:14

"For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily," Col 2:9

Nestorianism – 5th Century:
Nestorius held that there were two distinct persons in Christ; one human and one Divine. Making Christ a God-bearing man (double personality) rather than the God-man (theanthropos) and thus got the natures correct but had Christ having two personalities. Nestorius distinguished the human Jesus, who died, from the Divine son who cannot die. This view was condemned at the Synod of Ephesus (431) where it was confirmed that Jesus was one person in two distinct and inseparable natures.

Eutychianism – 5th Century:
This view began as a reaction to Nestorius’ dual personalities view of Christ. This view made the Divine nature absorb the human nature and thus Christ only had one nature. A nature that was not like ours as He had one nature, divine. They sought to elevate the divine nature by minimizing the humanity of Christ. This too was condemned, at the Council of Chalcedon (451)

I list these heresies because I pray you hear the many explanations that people give to explain the Trinity so it conforms to what they feel comfortable with. Also, these heresies show that the arguments and human reasoning used to deny the Trinity are not new. We do not stand alone in the fight to defend what is true.

At the end of the day this all shows that Ecc 1:9 is so true:

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.”

In Part 4 we will begin to look at a few arguments against the Doctrine of the Trinity as well as look at what I feel is often a key issue and that is the understanding of the difference between “apprehending” the Doctrine of the Thirty and “comprehending “ it.

(Updated 8/20/10 - Due to a comment I wanted to be more clear above on Modalism)
Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Doctrine of the Trinity-Part 2

2010-08-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

In part one I touched on our need to study the Trinity and the importance of a doctrine that to tell the truth, from my perspective, has been minimized in our pluralistic postmodern age. In this part we will look at a little history as this minimization of this important doctrine, which in truth is about the nature of God, has not always been so. As a matter of fact the nature of God was so important that the first great council, the council of Nicea in 325, dealt with this very issue; the nature of God.

The argument at the council revolved around the person of Christ and thus the Council of Nicea in 325 AD addressed the question of – Is Christ Divine? (One of 5 other issues covered but by far the most important). They did not create the doctrine of the “deity of Christ” but merely affirmed it. Also, in this council they did not touch on the person of the Holy Spirit but that is simply because that was not the issue at the time

Some may want to argue that the actual subject of the Trinity was not dealt with at the Council of Nicea. But, while the issue of the Trinity itself was not directly dealt with, the nature of Christ was and that is integral to our understanding of the Trinity. What stirred up the need for a council in large part was that Arius, where the term the “Arian Controversy” came from, had proposed that Christ had been created and had not existed eternally so therefore was not divine as God the Father was. This view had found some supporters but arguments arose in the church to oppose such a doctrine. While Emperor Constantine himself was sympathetic to the beliefs of Arius he wanted to settle the dispute and have political and cultural unity, his main objective in much of what he did. This is one of the places we see God’s hand on the events as again Constantine would have liked to see Arius win the argument but it was not to be.

At the council there were actually three positions
o The homoousians – Who proclaimed that God and Christ were of the same substance
o The Arians – Who proclaimed that God and Christ were of different substances.
o The homoiousians – A group that sought to compromise by claiming Christ was “similar” to God.

The trouble that Arius had with the orthodox view of the nature of Christ’s “substance” was the same we see today. He, as many today that deny the Trinity, sought to mold scripture to make a doctrine that is not easily comprehended comprehensible. In doing that he had to mold scripture to fit his understanding of how he thought things should be.

Mark Noll has noted, “Arius’s appeal to what he considered the logic of monotheism illustrates a recurring tendency throughout Christian history to subject the facts of divine revelation to current conceptions of ‘the reasonable’.”

I share the above glimpse at history, there is much more to read and learn about the Council of Nicea, to show that this is not a new issue & is one that others have struggled through. But it is one where truth can be found. We are to not hold tightly to the Doctrine of the Trinity because of tradition or even because of the Council of Nicea and a vote in the past. But, we should listen to what was said since God was working then as now.

We are to hold tightly to the Doctrine of the Trinity because it is biblical and those that do not hold to it are denying the true nature of Christ. Thus we need to not sit by as some deny this doctrine like it is simply a matter of taste. No this is a matter of the nature of God and we need to defend this doctrine as tenaciously as Athanasius did if necessary who himself was exiled 5 times in his defense of the nature of God. Not because God cannot defend Himself. But, because all of scripture and the promises of God hinge on His nature. If God’s nature can be manipulated by man to fit his whims, as is often done today, then ones hope is in a false god that is not God at all.

Today the issue is not only that the Trinity is denied but that people are not passionate enough about it to defend it at whatever cost. Far too many people are willing to give up this important doctrine for the sake of unity. What I would say is a false unity.

Mathew Henry has said: "The way to preserve the peace of the church is to preserve its purity."

The purity he speaks of is not just the piety of its people but the purity of its doctrine. Thus it is not by forsaking doctrine but ensuring that the doctrine is pure and undefiled that unity is preserved. The area of the Doctrine of the Trinity is one of those areas we need to unify around. We are not to push it to the back to “just get along” but have a ready defense for who God and his nature, His Trinitarian nature.

Next in Part 3 we will look at some Historical heresies and in doing so you will see that not much has changed in 2000+ years as many of the heresies of the past are alive today.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Doctrine of the Trinity - Part 1

2010-08-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

To begin this look at the Trinity I would like to look at two historical definitions of the trinity from two of the major confessions. Keep in mind that simply because these confessions support the Trinity does not make the trinity so. It is the biblical support that these confessions are based on and grounded in that makes what these statements say biblical. We simply start here to see how the trinity has been defined and we will look further at this as we move though the subject

From “The 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1689”
In this divine and infinite Being there are three subsistences, the Father, the Word (or Son), and the Holy Spirit, of one substance, power, and eternity, each having the whole divine essence, yet the essence undivided: the Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father and the Son; all infinite, without beginning, therefore but one God, who is not to be divided in nature and being, but distinguished by several peculiar, relative properties and personal relations; which doctrine of the Trinity is the foundation of all our communion with God, and comfortable dependence on him.
(1 John 5:7; Matt. 28:19,2; Cor. 13:14; Exod. 3:14; John 14:11; 1 Cor. 8:6; John 1:14,18; John 15:26; Gal. 4:6.)

From “The Westminster Confession of Faith of 1649”
In the unity of the Godhead there be three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father, the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son.
(Mat 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor 13:14; 1 John 5:7. John 1:14, 18. John 15:26; Gal 4:6).

A somewhat easier description may be:
Within one Being that is God, there exist eternally three coequal persons, namely, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

Or as I have often heard Hank Hanegraaff say: There are three who’s and one what

Introduction
So why do we need to study the Trinity? Is it not taken for granted? Does not everyone believe in it? Well in short, NO. I have found as I look around the internet and talk to people there are many that deny the Trinity and seem to not think this places them outside the pale of orthodoxy. Some of these may deny the Trinity out of ignorance or having been taught wrongly and they need to be discipled to see the truth of this great doctrine. However there others that teach that the Trinity is false and propagate their heresy where they are able. Some may do this openly such as the Jehovah Witnesses or avoid defining their terms clearly as with the Mormon’s so as to use Trinitarian words but give them decidedly different meanings. But, they do deny its truth. Of more concern are those within the walls of the professing church that teach such heresy and are not held accountable and are often even lauded and followed

As an example from the pulpit; T.D. Jakes is a well known preacher and writer in the evangelical community and while seeking to appear not connected with any denomination he does have connections with the Oneness Pentecostals which are modalists (more on modalsim later) who deny the orthodox definition of the Trinity.

Another example is Benny Him who while often criticized for his “Health and Wealth” doctrine has claimed that the Trinity is actually 9 persons with each person of the trinity having his own personal trinity, see video below.

An example from the sound booth would be Phillips Craig and Dean who are Oneness Pentecostals, Modalists, as well. This is not simply about mistaken individuals but they are all full time minters that happen to sing together and thus by their ministries are to be accountable for teaching heresy. Sadly many listen to their songs and even after finding out that they deny the Trinity justify things by their music being good or the words of a particular song being true. I do not know how many of those that justify their actions would listen to a good song by a Mormon or Jehovah Witness, well today maybe many.

I do not put this out there to simply point out these people but to show that the Trinity, the orthodox view of the Trinity, is not a doctrine that no longer needs to be studied and preached. But that we need even more so in the pluralistic age we live in study and make sure we know the true nature of our God. We need to remember that when we speak of God He is defined by His nature and that nature is Trinitarian. Thus when we speak of Islam, Judaism and others we are not speaking of the same God as they define God’s nature differently.

Sadly there are also so called “Christian” denominations, as alluded to above, that do not hold to the a biblical Trinitarian view of God but for some reason the church as a whole is fearful of calling a heretic a heretic. I think this is where confusion begins in the congregation since if the church does not speak out how are those in its ranks to see the seriousness of the error. This is not so much about labeling but about the correct understanding of God.

As we continue in the study of the Trinity we will get to its proofs but I thought it important to see why we need to study and we will see next why that the church from very early supported and defended this view of God.

Doctrine of the Trinity Series:

Sermon Series on The Doctrine of the Trinity: Part 1 and Part 2

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10

(all verses used are from the ESV unless stated otherwise)

Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Larger Westminster Catechism

2010-07-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Description of Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Larger Westminster Catechism from the Vision Forum Site:

"Not since 1731 has the Reformed world seen a comprehensive commentary on its most detailed standard of faith, The Westminster Larger Catechism. Even that earlier two-volume masterpiece by Thomas Ridgeley does not rival the depth and breadth of this contribution to Reformed doctrine provided by Dr. Joseph C. Morecraft, III. Culminating a lifetime of learning, preaching, and pastoral care, this five-volume work incorporates the most stalwart of Reformed theology from recent centuries as well as past masters, and exegetes the teachings of the Catechism through potent insight, consistent application, and relentless recourse to God’s Word. In a time when the Church faces many doctrinal challenges, Morecraft’s Commentary calls her back to the foundations of the Reformed faith, directing her to the spiritual power of God’s Word as taught in the Larger Catechism. In a time when even the Reformed lose heart and begin to tinker and modify their understanding of their own standards, Morecraft’s Commentary directs us to a clear confession of faith. In these volumes, Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism we find relevant solutions to the challenges we face, and the power to transform individuals, families, and entire cultures today.

This 5-volume commentary on The Westminster Larger Catechism practically applies the doctrinal principles outlined in this great document to the ethical considerations of our day. The culmination of a lifetime of study and preaching, Dr. Morecraft’s magnum opus provides potent insights into the core doctrines of the faith as summarized in the Larger Catechism. This monumental achievement by one of the most heroic defenders of the faith alive today is a must for any serious student of theology.

Dr. Morecraft holds a B.A. in history from King’s College in Bristol, Tennessee, an M.Div from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, and a M.Th. and Th.D. from Whitefield Theological Seminary"

Order here or in link above.

A New Documentary

2010-07-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

New documentary from the NCFIC is being worked on called Segregation. It will be a documentary “investigating the problems with modern youth ministry and the solution of biblical youth ministry found in the Word of God.”

Read more here: A New Film in Progress

Discipling our Children

2010-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I thought I would repost the links to a series I did a little over a year ago on the discipling of our children and some of the questions I often hear with regards to sending ones children to the government schools. I speak of “discipling” with regards to schooling since that is the goal, or should be, of education; yes the government schools are seeking to disciple your children as well. Since the disciple will be like his teacher (Luke 6:40) this should be enough for Christian parents not to send their children to government schools but sadly it often is not.

Below are links to the nine articles:

1) Christian Homeschooling and Charter Schools
2) What is the purpose of Christian Education: Part 1 & Part 2
3) Should the Government be involved in the Education of our children
4) Why are we so easily swayed by the money & items offered by charter schools?
5) Should not my children be in the public school to be lights in a dark place?
6) Why do we need to meet man’s standards for education?
7) Why do we need relief or a respite from the presence of our children?
8) Isn't how we educate our children a preference?
9) What if my husband says he does not want to homeschool?

Around the Web and Blogosphere (7/5/10)

2010-07-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

Theological Mediations is a good blog that I recently came across. You can find what the owner of the blog describes as; “primary source documentation that involves my exploration into the revealed will of God as viewed in Calvinistic history.”

You can be praying for a couple families; Pray for the Harris family as Greg Harris’ wife, Sono, was called home to Jesus yesterday. Also keep Joni Eareckson Tada, and her husband Ken, in your prayers as she deals with her cancer. I would also recommend reading an article I read some time ago and one that Joni has linked to on her site entitled: "Don't Waste Your Cancer" by John Piper.

At The New Geneva Leadership Blog there is a good article by Stephen Halbrook called: The Bible Opposes Socialism. The point made in the article are:
1) The Bible’s civil code does not authorize socialism.
2) Socialism violates the Bible’s commands against partiality
3) Socialism is a form of public slavery
4) Socialism is a form of covetousness
5) The New Testament does not sanction socialism
6) Socialism is idolatrous
7) Socialism is symptomatic of a lack of faith in God
8) Socialism opposes “The Golden Rule”
9) The Book of Acts does not support socialism

You can check out the NCFIC Blog to see articles and videos from the NCFIC Road Trip which based on their original schedule should be concluding today.

Israel Wayne has a good article on the Brush Arbor site called: I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag. How many of us know the origin of the Pledge of Allegiance yet we often fight for it tooth and nail. For believers it is imperative that we know its origin and what it means as we are to truly only to pledge allegiance to God and not to any state. You can watch an interview that Kevin Swanson does with Israel Wayne on this article here or listen to it here.

As an aside I have been so busy with little time to write. But I am working on converting a study on the Trinity that I did a few years ago to a number of blog posts and hope to have they done in the next week or so.

NCFIC Road Trip - Oakhurst Stop (6/21/10)

2010-06-22T19:29:00.000-07:00

We just returned from spending the weekend in Oakhurst California. We got to Fresno Saturday and then spent the Lord’s Day worshiping with Christ Community Bible Church (CCBC). It was a great time of worship and fellowship.

Then Monday (6/21) after taking a drive around Bass Lake we met at CCBC for some great teaching and fellowship. It is my understanding there were around 240 people, adults and children, at this “NCFIC Road Trip-Oakhurst” stop which was a great turn out especially considering it was on a Monday afternoon/evening. CCBC did a great ob of hosting this event keeping things on schedule and even providing an evening meal between sessions where families could gather to meet together. This was especially appreciated as so often at conferences there is so much to pack in that fellowship can often be cut short but not here.

The sessions were broken down with the men and sons meeting together for the first 2 hours or so and the women and daughters meeting for a tea at the same time. After the initial sessions we all gathered together for a meal then all gathered for a final two talks as one large group.

As I only heard the men’s talks and the final talks I cannot comment on the women's talks but from what I understand they were very good. I will post a link to my wife and daughter’s blog when they get a post up on the women’s part of the meeting. In the first talk Scott Brown spoke on Building a Biblical Family. In his talk Scott, with his usual passion for the sufficiency of scripture, spoke on 12 areas that need to be dealt with to build a biblical family. Those areas are, and I given some, not all, of the scripture references given:

1) Examining Ones Heart to be Sure of Ones Salvation – II Cor 13:5; II Cor 5:17;Matt 7:16
2) Observe the Sabbath Day – Deut 5:12-15; Ex 20; Neh 13; Heb 4
3) Listening to the Preaching of the Word of God - Acts 2:42
4) Celebrating as a Family – Deut 12:12; Ps 127 – 128
5) Doing business with Sin – Job 1:5; Col 3:5
6) Dealing with the “One Another’s” in the church – Eph 4
7) Conducting Family Worship – Ps 78; Jn 4:23-24
8) Praying Family Prayers – Matt 6:33
9) Working Together – Prov 10:4-5
10) Saturating the Family in the Law & Love of God – Deut 6:1-9
11) Studying History Together – Deut 31:7
12) Make a God Centered Marriage – Gen 1:27-28; Gen 2:18; Prov 31

Peter Bradrick then spoke, mainly to the younger men, about the need to see we are in a battle. One of the great points he made is that we so often allow the young to use youth as a time of play while in reality it is the only time they have to prepare for adulthood. This is especially important for believers as youth is a time not for amusement but a time to prepare for the battle. A time that is lost if not used for God’s glory. He also spoke of areas that so often attach to young men. Areas such as: being absorbed in the culture of sports, simply hanging out with other young men accomplishing nothing and also the attitudes of apathy, pride and the pursuit of pleasure. This is a message that needs to be shared and instilled in all young men.

The time with the men was concluded with another message from Scott Brown on “Common Infections in the Family Integrated Church. These were areas that in some form or fashion are in many “Family Integrated Churches” but that should not be there and thus need to be corrected and dealt with in some fashion. The 12 items spoken on, and with explanations of each were:

1) Neglecting the Gospel – the exalting of Christ by “all” of His word
2) Misunderstanding Family Integration – especially in making it the centerpiece of the church
3) Misunderstanding Equipping & Evangelism in the Church
4) Lack of Biblically Qualified Leadership
5) Home Churching – especially as it relates to biblical leadership that scripture points to with regards to the church
6) Doctrinal Confusion
7) Fuzziness in Biblical Womanhood and the Influence of Feminism
8) Disrespecting Authority – often by having no authority
9) Lack of a Love for Scripture
10) Inward Focus that causes a Neglect in Ministry to the Lost
11) Absence of Humility
12) Lack of Love for the Church

After a great meal and fellowship we all gathered together to hear another talk from Scott Brown and Peter Bradrick. Scott spoke first and his topic was on Reformation in the Church. In covering the topic he did so in three sections:

Characteristics of Reformation
1) A Work of God, Not Man
2) Often follows Seasons of Idolatry & Sinfulness
3) Fueled by Desperation
4) Touched off by the Preaching of the True Gospel
5) Propelled by a Hunger for God
6) Outward Changes Followed by the Inward Conviction of Sin
7) Marked by an Unusual Love for Scripture
8) Ignites a Love for the Gathering of God’s People
9) Produces Opposition

Modern Signs of Revival
1) Clarification of the True Gospel & Preaching of it
2) Resurgence of Expository Preaching
3) Doctrinal Awareness
4) Revival of Biblical Fatherhood
5) Large Families
6) Rejection of Feminism
7) Modest Dress
8) Early Manhood
9) Dating Culture Rejected
10) Generational Retention
11) Biblical Counseling Movement
12) A Wave of Books on Family based on the Sufficiency of Scripture
13) Rejection of Evolutionary Speculation
14) New Churches Planted that Reject Age Segregation
15) Censure, Rejection & Persecution

What Kinds of Reforms are the NCFIC Seeking
As the talk went long this section was gone through rather quickly but some of the reforms sought were areas such as the use of the regulative principle and other areas that further promote the items listed above.

Peter Bradrick closed the conference speaking on the youth group culture the church is so enamored with. The NCFIC has been working on a documentary that should be out this year on the subject as well as Scott Brown is putting out a book on the subject. Both of which will in all likelihood meet with resistance because they go against the churches culturally accepted norm even if it is not a biblically supported norm. Peter touched on a number of areas but the picture that was painted was one of the need to return to how God wants youth to be nurtured and discipled which is by equipping families and primarily fathers. I am sure more will be said on the subject as the two new resources from the NCFIC come out.

What a great time this was and many thanks to Christ Community Bible Church for doing a fine job of putting on the conference. If you are ever in the Oakhurst area this is a great church to spend the Lord’s Day.

CCBC Contact info:
Christ Community Bible Church in Oakhurst, California
Oakhurst Community Center
39800 Road 425 B. Oakhurst, CA 93644
Michael Cox (mcox@sti.net)

If you have an opportunity try and attend one of the remaining NCFIC Road Trip stops. You can find the the cities still to be visited here.

Here are a few pictures from Monday:

Scott Brown

Peter Bradrick

Defending The Christian Worldview Against all Opposition

2010-06-09T17:59:00.000-07:00

Well things have been quite busy and with preparing a sermon each week and work there has not been much time to write. However I do get to drive 30 minutes each way to work and to redeem that time I have been listening to some CD’s by Greg Bahnsen that I think every believer would greatly benefit from.

The series I am just finishing is called: Defending The Christian Worldview Against all Opposition. This set is in 2 parts with Series 1 being called: Weapons of our Spiritual Warfare and Series 2: Destroying all Speculation

Coming from a Presuppositional apologetic framework Mr. Bahnsen does a masterful job of teaching how to defend the Christian Worldview. While there are some terms that may be foreign to those that have not dealt with apologetics, philosophy or logic I think they are explained in a manner that will make them clear. This set is a must for homeschooled families because not only does it teach how to defend the faith but in the process teaches important principles of logic and reasoning that are often sorely missed by many believers.

While there is some repetition between the two Series I think this only helps to further instill the concepts & principles being taught. Also, as you go through the two series you will find previous concepts and ideas being built on so that you are even better equipped. I will be listening to this series again so as to refresh and hone my ability to defend my faith.

One regret I have after listening to this series is that I never got to hear Dr. Bahnsen, and I live in Southern California. While Dr. Bahnsen is with the Lord we still have his teaching and I for one have been greatly blessed by it.

Included in Series 1:
1. Faith or Reason?
2. Faith and Reason
3. Foundational Faith
4. Just the Facts
5. Faith, Facts, and Worldviews
6. What is Philosophy?
7. Types of Worldviews
8. A Critique of Atheism
9. The Unbeliever is a Believer
10. A Quick Course in Comparative Religion
11. Mormons and Muslims
12. Two-fold Apologetic Approach

Included in Series 2:
1. Arbitrary Arguments
2. Inconsistent Arguments
3. Presuppositional Tension
4. Preconditions for Intelligently
5. Proof and Persuade
6. The Evolutionary Worldview
7. The Problem of Evil
8. Competing Religious Claims
9. An Internal Critique of the Koran
10. Circular Reasoning

This series can be bought as a set, here, or individually, here- Series 1 , Series 2

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2010-05-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

Good through June 1st: $25 off coupon when you spend $75+

Around the Web and Blogosphere (5/21/10)

2010-05-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

If you like Bluegrass check out the Wintons, actually even if you are not a fan of bluegrass check them out. You can listen to their music here. You can also buy a download of the music at BlueBehemoth. They were just interviewed by Kevin Swanson: Music Genres Capable of Integrating the Generations. Here is their Purpose Statement:

"It is our desire to faithfully proclaim the Gospel in word and deed. At the same time, we want to perform a concert in a professional manner using both gospel bluegrass and family-friendly traditional bluegrass music which portrays a family that is seeking to glorify the Lord. While we want our concerts to be entertaining, we have determined that we are not a family that exists for entertainment purposes, but a family that desires to communicate to others the love of God and His active work in our lives as well as His desire to work faithfully in the lives of others. During our concerts we plan to communicate the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the blessing of families ministering together, the purpose of having a family vision, the fruitfulness of multi-generational faithfulness, and the goal of living separate and deliberate lives for the Lord. We also hope to share about the blessings of adoption, both in a natural and spiritual sense."

Devon Maddox at The Salt Room writes on: Sovereign Church Growth. He has a great quote by David Wells from his book The Courage to be Protestant:

“The truth is that there is nothing in our postmodern world that is a serious threat, or an insurmountable obstacle, to the will of God. This is true of his saving will as well. He is sovereign in the way he begets faith today as he is over the sparrow that flies or falls. He will grow the church. Today, we no longer seem to believe this, and want to aid his cause by our weak and foolish capitulations.”

How true this is as the church today seeks after all but God for growth. Actually, the whole idea of “growth” is often an issue as well. Of course the professing church today would not admit to this lack of trust but actions often speak louder than words and those actions say the church today does not trust God to grow His church. Personally I think this problem stems from a faulty view of God’s sovereignty; a view that places God as being restrained by our desires and will and not the other way around.

At Lane’s Blog there is a post: Election as Taught in the Bible. This post lists some of the Scriptural evidence for the doctrine of election. Also below is a video that is posted along with this list.

Around the Web and Blogosphere (5/12/10)

2010-05-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

R.C. Sproul Jr. posts on: What Is Reconstructionism? What Is Theonomy? In many circles, even reformed ones, the mention of “theonomy” or “reconstructionism” raises a myriad of objections but I have found that most of these come from a misconception of what it is. As R.C. states, and others before him have stated: ““Autonomy or theonomy!”……We will either have man’s law, or God’s law and only a fool would choose man over God.”

How far are we in the US from this: It’s Getting Dangerous Out There — A Preacher Is Arrested in Britain. Are pastors, and laymen for that matter, in the US ready to preach the truth, all of it, in the face of prison? If we do not do so now in the face of not much more than ridicule how we will do it when true persecution looms.

At the NCFIC website there is a good message from Jeff Pollard called: The Trap of Family Idolatry. Those that think the NCFIC worships the family should listen to this message as Jeff Pollard deals with what he calls “Familyolatry” and how to avoid it.

Steve Camp writes on: TREASURING THE TREASURE OF GOD'S WORD...the infallible divine plumbline for all matters of life and godliness. He deals with preaching out of the word of God rather than simply out of ones good thoughts and opinions, no matter how correct they may be.

Grace & Genesis 38

2010-05-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Last Lord’s Day (4/24) I preached through Genesis 38. It is one of those passages that can be uncomfortable as it shows man in all his sin. The passage looks at the life of Judah while Joseph was off in Egypt. As one person I read commented, this is sort of a “meanwhile back at the ranch” passage. Telling of what Judah, the one the line of Christ was to come through, was doing while his brother was enslaved in Egypt.

As I studied the passage I wondered how to deal with the sin of Er, Onan and Judah. How do I deal with this, especially with small children present, so as to be above all faithful to the text but also sensitive to those hearing the text? The more I read the passage the more it became clear that the sins of Judah and Onan are reveled as they are to show the grace of God. The sins do not have to be excessively expounded on as they stand by themselves and thus simply need to be read as presented in the text. What needs to be emphasized in this chapter is the grace of God. The revelation of the grace of God to use a man such as Judah, and for that matter Tamar, to bring about the one to crush the head of the serpent (Gen 3:15) is striking.

If you were to simply read Genesis with no understanding of what was to come you would think that Joseph was the one the line of Christ was to flow through. Is not Joseph a picture of Christ? Is not he the one that is pictured as more righteous? But no, God works through the imperfect to bring about the perfect. God works not as man but as God to do what most glorifies Him. We should not be surprised by this with all that we see in Genesis up to Chapter 38, but we usually are. So grace is a major part of Chapter 38.

Moses is writing this to the Hebrews preparing to cross the Jordon back into the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. He is telling them not to be proud as if who they were was why God worked through them. Moses is showing how their heritage is one of sin but that it was God’s choice to work through them thus they had no reason to boast or pat themselves on the back. This is much as we should feel when we realize there is nothing in us that requires God to choose us. While I have heard many claim that the Doctrines of Grace can lead to pride, that is false. If pride comes out of your understanding of election you have misunderstood it. What should come out of a correct understanding of God’s calling is humility as we should clearly see we have nothing to boast about.

If we are truthful with ourselves our lives are much more closely aligned with that of Judah than Joseph and thus as with Judah it is only by grace God would call us to Himself. If you are truly one of God’s children you have been chosen by His grace not your merit and thus cannot boast (Eph 2:8-9).

This is not an excuse to live as Judah and simply expect God’s grace as the passage has a second feature and that is one of contrast. The contrast between the life of Judah and that of Joseph. Thus we are to see the grace of God to call us as we live as Judah. As well as to see our call to live, by God’s power, as Joseph.

So the sin that is portrayed in this passage is used to accentuate God’s grace. A grace seen from the beginning to the end of His word. There is not more grace in the Older Testament than in the Newer. It is all of grace that God would work though any of us. Let us truly understand that and seek to live, again by His power, in a way that most glorifies Him, as is laid out in His word.

If you would like to listen to last weeks sermon you can hear it here.

2010 European Virtual History Tour & MP3 Collection

2010-04-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

If you could not make it to the Vision Forum Faith and Freedom Tour across Europe this may be the next best thing: The 2010 European Virtual History Tour & MP3 Collection, for $59 (Special offer ends May 3, 2010 ):

This special package allows you and your family to gain new understanding, context, and inspiration by receiving in-the-field video highlights from this historic tour across Europe, and be the first to hear the messages on MP3 from our journey (receive over 40 messages at the special pre-tour package price).

The tour begins on May 2, and runs through May 15.

Here is what you get with your Online Tour Pass:

1. Daily Lectures and Messages: Exclusive daily video messages from the locations that built Western Civilization on subjects ranging from military history to theology to architecture;

2. Interactive Study Course: You can send your questions in to our teachers who will answer many of them via video which will be posted and made available through a private link;

3. Study Material: During the tour, we will pose regular study questions and direct you to additional resources to expand your studies;

4. Advance MP3 Collection of all the audio recorded in the field;*
*The live recordings from the field will be unedited.

To sign up you can do so here: 2010 European Virtual History Tour & MP3 Collection (Special offer ends May 3, 2010. )

Virtual Tour and Online Study Course from Vision Forum.

All We Need is Love?

2010-04-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

Repost From American Covenanter

All We Need is Love?

Dead men speaking from the grave on modern heresies

By Horatius Bonar, 1809-1889

Some speak as if the servant were greater than the Master, and the disciple above his Lord; as if the Lord Jesus honoured the Law, and His people were to set it aside; as if He fulfilled it for us, that we might not need to fulfill it; as if He kept it, not that we might keep it, but that we might not keep it, but something else in its stead, they know not what.

The plain truth is, we must either keep it or break it. Which of these men ought to do, let those answer who speak of a believer having nothing more to do with Law. There is no middle way. If it be not a saint's duty to keep the Law, he may break it at pleasure, and go on sinning because grace abounds.

The word duty is objected to as inconsistent with the liberty of forgiveness and sonship. Foolish and idle cavil! What is duty? It is the thing which is due by me to God, that line of conduct which I owe to God. And do these objectors mean to say that, because God has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, therefore we owe Him nothing, we have no duty now to Him? Has not redemption rather made us doubly debtors? We owe Him more than ever; we owe His holy Law more than ever; more honour, more obedience. Duty has been doubled, not cancelled, by our being delivered from the Law; and he who says that duty has ceased, because deliverance has come, knows nothing of duty, or the Law, or deliverance. The greatest of all debtors in the universe is the redeemed man, the man who can say, 'The life that I live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.' What a strange sense of gratitude these men must have, who suppose that because love has cancelled the penalties of the Law, and turned away its wrath, therefore reverence and obedience to that Law are no longer due! Is terror, in their estimation, the only foundation of duty, and when love comes in and terror ceases, does duty become a bondage?

'No,' they may say, 'but there is something higher than duty, there is privilege; it is that for which we contend.'

I answer, the privilege of what? Of obeying the Law? That they cannot away with; for they say they are no longer under Law, but under grace. What privilege, then? Of imitating Christ? Be it so. But how can we imitate Him whose life was one great Law fulfilling, without keeping the Law? What privilege, again we ask? Of doing the will of God? Be it so. And what is the Law but the revealed will of God? And has our free forgiveness released us from the privilege of conformity to the revealed will of God?

But what do they mean by thus rejecting the word 'duty', and contending for that of 'privilege'? Privilege is not something distinct from duty, nor at variance with duty, but it is duty and something more; it is duty influenced by higher motives, duty uncompelled by terror or suspense. In privilege the duty is all there; but there is something superadded, in shape of motive and relationship, which exalts and ennobles duty. It is my duty to obey government; it is my privilege to obey my parent. But in the latter case is duty gone, because privilege has come in? Or has not the loving relationship between parent and child only intensified the duty, by superadding the privilege, and sweetening the obedience by the mutual love? 'The love of Christ constraineth.' That is something more than both duty and privilege added.

Let men who look but at one side of a subject say what they will, this is the truth of God, that we are liberated from the Law just in order that we may keep the Law. We get the 'no condemnation', in order that 'the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us' (Rom. 8:4). We are delivered from 'the mind of the flesh', which is enmity to God, and not subject to His Law, on purpose that we may be subject to His Law (Rom. 8:7), that we may 'delight in the Law of God after the inward man' (Rom. 9:22), nay, that we may 'with the mind serve the Law of God' (Rom. 7:25),that we may be 'doers of the Law' (James 4:11). These objectors may speak of obedience to the Law as bondage, or of the Law itself being abolished to believers; here are the words of the Holy Ghost. The Law of God is just the Law of God, that very Law which David loved, and in which David's Son delighted; and it would be well for such men meekly and lovingly to learn what delighting in it, serving it, doing it are.

'Do we make void the Law by faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the Law' (Rom. 3:31), that is, we set it on a firmer basis than ever. That Law, 'holy, and just, and good,' thus doubly established, is now for us, not against us. Its aspect towards us is that of friendship and love, and so we have become 'the servants of righteousness' (Rom. 6:18), yielding our members servants to righteousness (Rom. 6:19). We are not men delivered from service, but delivered from one kind of service, and by that deliverance introduced into another, 'that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter' (Rom. 7:6), as 'the Lord's freemen' (1 Cor. 7:22), yet Christ's servants (1 Cor. 7:22). Thus obligation, duty, service, obedience still remain to the believing man though no longer associated with bondage and terror, but with freedom, gladness and love. The Law's former bearing on us is altered and, with that, the nature and spirit of the service are altered, but the service itself remains, and the Law which regulates that service is confirmed, not annulled.

Some will tell us here that it is not service they object to, but service regulated by law. But will they tell us what is to regulate service, if not law? Love, they say. This is a pure fallacy. Love is not a rule but a motive. Love does not tell me what to do; it tells me how to do it. Love constrains me to do the will of the beloved one; but to know what that will is I must go elsewhere. The Law of our God is the will of the beloved One, and were that expression of His will withdrawn, love would be utterly in the dark; it would not know what to do. It might say, 'I love my Master, and I love His service, and I want to do His bidding, but I must know the rules of His house, that I may know how to serve Him.' Love without law to guide its impulses would be the parent of will-worship and confusion, as surely as terror and self-righteousness, unless upon the supposition of an inward miraculous illumination, as an equivalent for law. Love goes to the Law to learn the divine will, and love delights in the Law, as the exponent of that will; and he who says that a believing man has nothing more to do with Law, save to shun it as an old enemy, might as well say that he has nothing to do with the will of God. For the divine Law and the divine will are substantially one, the former the outward manifestation of the latter. And it is 'the will of our Father which is in heaven' that we are to do (Matt. 7:2), or proving by loving obedience what is that 'good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God' (Rom. 12:2). Yes, it is 'he that doeth the will of God that abideth for ever' (1 John 2:17). It is to 'the will of God' that we are to live (1 Peter 4:2), 'made perfect in every good work to do His will' (Heb. 13:21), and 'fruitfulness in every good work' springs from being 'filled with the knowledge of His will' (Col. 1:9,10).

God's Way Of Holiness. Horatius Bonar. Evangelical Press 1979, 12 Wooler Street, Darlington, Co. Durham, DL1 1RQ, England. First Published 1864. Pages 68-88.

The Saint and the Law. Horatius Bonar.
http://www.gospelpedlar.com/articles/Christian%20Life/saintlaw.html

Teach Me, O Lord, Thy Way of Truth

2010-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

Below is a hymn I came across in the Trinity Hymnal that I had not sung before, but will from now on:

Teach Me, O Lord, Thy Way of Truth - #451
From Psalm 119:33-40

Teach me, O Lord, thy way of truth,
And from it I will not depart;
That I may steadfastly obey,
Give me an understanding heart.?

In thy commandments make me walk,
For in thy law my joy shall be;
Give me a heart that loves thy will,
From discontent and envy free.?

Turn thou mine eyes from vanity,
And cause me in thy ways to tread;
O let thy servant prove thy Word
And thus to godly fear be led.

Turn thou away reproach and fear;
Thy righteous judgments I confess;
To know thy precepts I desire;
Revive me in thy righteousness.

Denominations or Associations?

2010-04-16T10:33:00.000-07:00

I recently finished reading Denominations or Associations?: Essays on Reformed Baptist Associations edited by James M. Renihan and highly recommend this book .

I have always struggled with the autonomous view of ecclesiology that many Baptists hold to. To me it never seemed to hold up to what we see of the early church in Acts 15. It seems from scripture that while the local churches were not dependent on other churches they were in some fashion interdependent as Acts 15 shows. This interdependency is sadly lacking in the Baptist church today and even in Reformed Baptist circles. I have for some time thought that there needed to be a manner in which churches interacted that was more scriptural. That manner of interaction is clearly put forth in this book.

The book is made up of a number of essays that touch on various aspects of how Reformed Baptist churches should associate and most involve the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and article 26 that deals with The Church, specifically section 15:

26:15. In cases of difficulties or differences, either in point of doctrine or administration, wherein either the churches in general are concerned, or any one church, in their peace, union, and edification; or any member or members of any church are injured, in or by any proceedings in censures not agreeable to truth and order: it is according to the mind of Christ, that many churches holding communion together, do, by their messengers, meet to consider, and give their advice in or about that matter in difference, to be reported to all the churches concerned; howbeit these messengers assembled, are not intrusted with any church-power properly so called; or with any jurisdiction over the churches themselves, to exercise any censures either over any churches or persons; or to impose their determination on the churches or officers.
( Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23, 25; 2 Corinthians 1:24; 1 John 4:1 )

In looking at this section it becomes clear that the word “communion” used in the context of the time refers to an association of churches that went far beyond simply eating together or partaking in some variety of activities. This association, or communion, instead extended to the he health and vibrancy of the church by having a mutual association that in many ways contradicts the often over emphasized autonomy of the local church we see today.

The book looks at the time of the LBC and shows the thinking of such associations as the Abingdon Association (1652). It is in looking at scripture the LBC and the associations of the time that we get a clear picture that the Baptist church, particularly Reformed Baptist churches, of today has moved away from its moorings. It is a move that needs to be reversed for the church to be what God intendeds it to be; an interdependent family of believers and not the independent autonomous group it often is. I think this independence not only affects the church as a whole but the mindset begins to filter down to the individuals and creates issues at that level as well.

I highly recommend this book and would pray that this is the direction the church, and especially Reformed Baptist Churches, would head.

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